Barcelona have a decision to make this summer on who their striker signing is going to be, with Robert Lewandowski leaving the club at the end of last season.
The Polish veteran held the No. 9 jersey at Barcelona for the last four seasons. He had a very good spell and played a key role in making the Catalan club competitive again.
Flick now needs a No. 9 who can lead the club into the new era, and the dream target is Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez.
However, any move for him is likely to be very difficult due to Atletico’s stance and the significant financial investment that it would take.
Thus, it would make sense for the club to look at alternatives. Now, according to SPORT, Dusan Vlahovic has been offered to Barcelona as a free agent.
Vlahovic has been offered to Barcelona. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
It looks like the Serbian is unlikely to renew his contract at the Italian club and dreams of wearing the Blaugrana.
Vlahovic is said to be seeking a salary worth around €8 million per season alongside a contract of at least two years, figures that currently represent a significant obstacle for the Catalan club.
As of now, Barca are treating him more as a contingency plan than a priority and keeping the option open.
Julian remains the reference point
Barcelona’s striker planning appears to revolve around whether a path can eventually be found to sign Alvarez.
The Argentine continues to be regarded as the complete package for Hansi Flick’s project, due to his abilities both with and without the ball.
Vlahovic is not Barcelona’s priority. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Vlahovic, on the other hand, is not at the same level as Alvarez but is good enough to be a squad player if the conditions of the deal are acceptable.
A market opportunity worth monitoring
The Serbian international remains an accomplished goalscorer entering what should be the prime years of his career.
However, he has spells where he is extremely inconsistent. Barcelona already have Ferran Torres, who suffers from the same problem.
Any realistic move for Vlahovic will likely happen only if the Catalan club are unable to land their priority targets and if the Serbian agrees to a wage structure within Barca’s means.
Not much is expected of these Vlahovic links, and it remains to be seen whom Barcelona sign as their new striker in the coming weeks.
