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Barcelona: Signing Carlos Vela as a replacement for Munir makes no sense

ByChiranjib Ghosh|
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 21: Carlos Vela #10 of Los Angeles FC during Los Angeles FC's MLS match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at the Banc of California Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. The match ended in a 2-2 draw (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 21: Carlos Vela #10 of Los Angeles FC during Los Angeles FC's MLS match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at the Banc of California Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. The match ended in a 2-2 draw (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)

Carlos Vela cannot solve Barcelona’s problems

Barcelona have been diversifying the options available to replace Munir, but the shortlist could become too diverse. The club is looking at Mexican forward Carlos Vela as an option, which does not make any sense when looking for a centre-forward.

For the entirety of his career, Vela has played as a right-winger. The squad has an abundance of right wingers, with Leo Messi, Ousmane Dembélé and Malcom. Also, Sergi Roberto can be pushed further upward when required. So, Vela would have zero utility as a player.

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The only reason why Vela might be a decent proposition is due to his extensive experience in Spain. In Spanish domestic competitions, the 29-year old Mexico international has scored 73 goals and provided 48 assists in 271 appearances.

But at this stage of his career, Vela will be unable to adapt to a new position altogether. While adapting to the demanding Barça style of play is difficult for even natural strikers like Luis Suárez, Carlos Vela will be a huge failure.

Moreover, he joined Los Angeles FC just last January. Vela is a fan-favourite there and has found some very good form in the MLS, with large salary. It would take a huge offer to both LAFC and Vela to bring him to the Camp Nou.

So, the Barça management should find a better player to suit the centre-forward role better. There is no dearth of options, with plenty of short-term solutions including Cristhian Stuani, Michy Batshuayi and Antonio Sanabria among others.