Manchester United superstar Edinson Cavani has reportedly been offered to La Liga giants Barcelona who are on the lookout for a new centre-forward.
According to a report from Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have been given the chance to sign Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani from Manchester United on the transfer deadline day. A move, however, is difficult due to the player’s salary.
Cavani joined Manchester United only last summer after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain had run out. Handed the iconic No. 7 jersey, the 34-year-old lived up to the expectations, playing a key role in the Red Devils’ runners-up finish in the Premier League and the UEFA Europa League, bagging 17 goals and 6 assists in 39 matches across all competitions.
Although his contract was running out this year, Manchester United managed to convince Cavani to extend his deal by another twelve months until 2022. The 34-year-old missed the pre-season and the start of the new campaign as he was away for personal reasons. He made his first appearance of the 2021/22 term this past weekend, coming on as a substitute against Wolves.
However, it is now being claimed that Cavani’s time at Old Trafford could be set for a premature end. The 34-year-old’s situation has become a tad bit complicated following the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United. The Portuguese maverick has re-signed for the 20-time English champions, with the move being made official earlier today.
With Ronaldo back, Cavani’s role within this Manchester United and his game-time could see some reduction, which has led to the striker considering an exit before the transfer window slams shut in a few hours. And, it is now being claimed that the Uruguayan international’s services have been offered to Barcelona.
The Catalans remain on the lookout for another striker after having lost legend Lionel Messi. Sergio Aguero and Memphis Depay have been brought in already, and while the latter has impressed so far, the former is currently sidelined with injury. Given the Argentine’s fitness issues over the past years, coupled with Antoine Griezmann’s misfiring form, and it is understandable why Ronald Koeman wants a new forward.
To that end, Barcelona have also been offered the services of Mario Mandzukic, who is a free agent currently and Cavani’s name has also now appeared on their desks. The report adds that while the Catalan giants rate the 34-year-old very highly, any move will be extremely difficult to pull off owing to the striker’s high salary at Manchester United, which Barca cannot offer owing to their financial situation.
It remains to be seen if there are any late twists and turns and whether Cavani seals another high profile transfer on the deadline day like he did last summer.
