Barcelona focuses on securing a striker after Luis Suarez’s departure.
Barcelona legend and veteran Luis Suarez has left the club on a free transfer to Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid. The Uruguayan is currently 33 and is apparently failing to keep up with the continuous games. Ronald Koeman had apparently made it very clear to the striker that he will not be a part of his plans at the Nou Camp. Hence, this transfer was inevitable.
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However, Barca are now looking at Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez and Olympique Lyonnais’ Memphis Depay for the replacement of Suarez. Till now in this current transfer window, the Catalans were sticking to a strictly selling before purchasing, but they might just have to make an exception for these two forwards if they are looking for an ideal replacement.
Many reports surfaced weeks ago that the Dutch international had apparently agreed to personal terms with the La Liga giants but somehow that deal is not yet in the final stages. As for Lautaro, his agent stated that he will remain with Antonio Conte at Inter Milan for another year. The Argentine reportedly stated that he wants to play with Lionel Messi. This might be his last chance as the 33-year-old may leave Barca next season given that he handed in a transfer request this season.
Realistically, as for Lautaro, the transfer may not happen because Inter rates him at a staggering 111 million euro price tag. Current financial problems at the Nou Camp will in no way allow this transfer with such a hefty amount. If Messi’s transfer request was agreed upon, his sale would at least bring in 150-200 million euros which would allow the La Liga giants to rebuild in a more comfortable way.
Lautaro or Depay, Blaugrana needs a replacement very soon as club legend Suarez left the club in such a drastic manner. The club’s board did not treat Suarez’s departure respectively as players are getting more unhappy. Messi took some underlying shots at the board in an Instagram caption on a goodbye post for his best friend Luis Suarez.
Who will be a better fit for Barca, Lautaro or Depay?