Barcelona are reportedly ready to propose a €30 million bid to sign Mexico’s World Cup hero Hirving Lozano from PSV this summer.
According to a report published by a Spanish Publication Don Balon, Barcelona are eyeing a €30 million deal to sign Mexico’s World Cup hero Hirving Lozano from PSV, since the Catalan club find him as a suitable alternative to Willian, who could cost a fortune to the Blaugranas.
Lozano – a quick, skillful winger with an eye for goal – has been nothing short of a revelation this year, following some stunning performances at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, especially his shocking match-winning goal against Germany in the Group stage.
The Mexican international joined PSV in the summer transfer window of 2017, and had a standout campaign with the Dutch club, as he amassed 17 goals and 11 assists in 29 appearances in his Eredivisie campaign last season. His ability to play in various positions in the attack has piqued the interest of several clubs across Europe, including the Spanish giants-Barcelona.
Ernesto Valverde is planning to land unconventional recruits for the wings, as he wishes to make a switch to Barcelona’s traditional 4-3-3 formation from his initial 4-4-2 for the upcoming season. Valverde planned to pursue both Eden Hazard and Willian from Chelsea to reinforce the wings, but Hazard’s inclination towards Real Madrid and Chelsea’s over-valuation for the Brazilian international has forced Barcelona to look towards other alternates.
Thus, the Catalan giants have ignited their interest in Lozano, with the club are short of options at the wide areas of attack since last season. Valverde was forced to assign players like Coutinho and Paulinho on the right wing during his last campaign, and they were pretty much ineffective.
Thus, Lozano’s ability to play on either side of the wings can bolster the options in attack for the Catalan club. Moreover, he could also fill the void created in the midfield after the departure of Andres Iniesta to Vissel Kobe, with the Mexican also having the ability to be deployed as an attacking midfielder.
Although, if the 22-year-old Mexican arrives at Nou Camp this summer, then he would have to primarily struggle against Dembele to feature in the starting lineup, which would further complicate the French international’s situation at the club.
Presently, Lozano seems to be a long-term benefit for Barcelona at a very reasonable price of €30 million, considering Lozano proved his talent at the biggest stage of World football and would cost significantly lesser than Willian. But, it remains to be seen whether Barcelona would further negotiate for the player or will prefer to stick with their present pursuit of Willian from Chelsea.
