In search of a striker, FC Barcelona has signed Gabriel Jesus in what appears to be the shock of the summer. He will sign a two year contract at Barcelona with an option to extend for an extra year, until 2029. The immediate purchase of Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus for a fee of reportedly £10m is surely the shrewdest transfer business this summer. While unglamorous, this transfer ticks so many specific boxes for Hansi Flick's tactical outlook.
With the medical set to take place for the Monday; this is why this short term signing could still have huge effects on the field of play.
The perfect pressing forward
Hansi Flick's primary tactical approach at Barcelona is predicated on high counter-pressing, as well as fast transitions. With the purchase of Gabriel Jesus, the club is buying one of the the best pressing forwards in the world currently.
Amongst central forwards having played 400-900 minutes on the field in top 5 European leagues, Gabriel Jesus currently has the second highest pressing rate out of any striker. His style is not one of the classic 'target man', rather one whose primary goal off the ball is to act as a defensive spark plug to interrupt an opposing side's buildup.
With high energy attackers like Raphinha, Gordon, Adeyemi and Fermin Lopez, now surrounding Gabriel Jesus, Flick has exactly the components required to allow him to make Barcelona potentially the very best pressing team in the world.
The record
While Gabriel Jesus does have issues with long injuries, he still holds a very strong resume to his name, and has a proven track record.
Metric | Total |
|---|---|
Appearances | 317 |
Goals | 98 |
Assists | 58 |
Total goal contributions | 156 |
More than his statistical output, Gabriel Jesus is a renowned link-up forward. He is very comfortable dropping deep to collect possession for Barcelona to hold, pulling opposition defenders out and leaving space for high tempo wingers to run into and fill the void.
Most importantly medicals with the club have stated there are no concerning reports regarding his current physical wellbeing; his only slight setback is a lack of competitive game time.
The Aubameyang principle
From a squad building and transfer point of view, this immediately rings a bell of the summer deal Barcelona secured for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Experienced forward who is proven at Premier League level and acquired very cheaply, is not going to upset tactical plans as much as signing someone unproven may.
At just €10m plus add-ons, Gabriel Jesus represents a massive market opportunity with very little financial risk. Even if Barcelona views him primarily as a short-term placeholder while they wait to re-enter the market for Julian Alvarez next season, Jesus provides crucial depth, elite tactical intelligence, and a burning desire to fulfill his long-held dream of wearing the Blaugrana shirt.
Add us as a preferred source on Google