Barcelona: 5 potential long-term replacements for Luis Suarez

The number of ageing key players in the squad means there are a few areas that need rejuvenating with the centre-forward position being one of them.

It’s clear over the past year and a half that Luis Suarez has started his decline as he struggles to keep up the dynamic role that made him such a threat in previous seasons. Barcelona can’t afford to keep him as the main striker option for too long because it will reduce the potency of their attack, so a young replacement needs to be brought in sooner rather than later.

Barcelona’s status as a top European club makes them an attractive destination for most players so they have the pick of options across Europe as well as the rest of the world. A vast scouting network certainly helps in that regard, although the focus is on bringing in a proven talent rather than finding a bargain. Here are five strikers they should consider in no particular order…

Timo Werner

The German international is well-known across Europe due to his exploits with RB Leipzig as well as playing for Germany at the 2018 World Cup, although that will be a tournament he will want to forget as Die Mannschaft’s title defence ended at the first hurdle in the group stages. However, he was one of the better performers with his assist and work on the left-wing being crucial in Germany’s 2-1 win over Sweden.

He is currently in his third season with Leipzig where he has helped establish the club as one of the top teams in Germany because they were recently promoted when he arrived. Last season was a disappointment as they were unable to replicate the second place finish in their opening season due to the additional commitments in Europe.

Werner suffered a downturn similar to his team last season as he only managed 13 goals in the league with 21 in total. In 2016/17, he managed 21 in the league, which came in considerably less playing time. Leipzig’s odd decision to announce the appointment of Julian Nagelsmann for the 2019/20 season essentially means Ralf Rangnick is a caretaker manager for this season before likely moving back to his sporting director role.

The 22-year-old has thrived under Rangnick because he is used as the left striker in a partnership up front in a 4-4-2, but he often ends up on the left flank cutting into central areas. This role suits him because he has four goals and two assists in seven games so far.

Strikers in Barcelona’s 4-3-3 set-up have to be willing to interchange and shift wide when needed, so his understanding of this role is beneficial. This would provide the Catalans with tactical flexibility because Lionel Messi could be employed as a ‘false 9’ with Werner making runs into the space he vacates when he drops deep. His confidence in front of goal is naturally a bonus while his pace means he can also be a counter-attacking menace and provide a vertical threat to stretch teams.

His range of abilities and age means he would be an ideal addition even though he’s likely to cost a lot to bring in.