Barcelona have reportedly joined Premier League side West Ham United in the race for prolific AC Milan forward Carlos Bacca.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Spanish giants Barcelona have developed an interest in West Ham target and AC Milian striker Carlos Bacca. With number one transfer option Luciano Vietto reportedly headed to Sevilla on loan, Bacca has been identified as a suitable backup option to attacker Luis Suarez at the Camp Nou.
English club West Ham United reportedly had agreed a fee with AC Milan for their prolific striker, but it is understood that the Colombian turned down the opportunity to make the move to London. As reported by Gazzetta (h/t Info Italia), a sum of £26m was being readied by Hammers manager Slaven Bilic, but the move collapsed due to disagreement on personal terms. Taking advantage of this scenario, and the movement of other players happening around them, Barcelona have now emerged favourites to sign the highly-rated Colombian.
3.3 – Carlos Bacca scored a goal every 3.3 shots (excl. blocked) in the Serie A 2015/16, a joint-record among players on 7+ goals. Case.
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) July 22, 2016
On the back of 49 goals in 118 games in Spain, the former Sevilla striker moved to Italy last summer and enjoyed a decent season with the Rossoneri. The Colombian netted 18 times in the Serie A last season, finishing as Milan’s leading goal scorer. In fact, he was an overall third in the race for the Golden Boot – something the Barcelona hierarchy would have certainly taken note of.
Would the Blaugrana style suit the Colombian striker?
Bacca is a typical modern day striker, and someone who could suit the Catalan giants’ style of play. He is a poacher and he often finds himself in acres of space inside the box. He is good in the air, and equally good while dribbling past defenders. The Colombian is as calm as they get and is rarely known to show nerves in front of goal.
However, the striker is often caught out of position and flagged offside, thus killing the attack for his side. He is also not the quickest and a relatively average passer of the ball – something that may cause Barca boss Luis Enrique to ponder about placing a bid for the striker.
He would still play second fiddle to forward Luis Suarez, and would have to impress in the odd starts he is given if he is to righteously claim a starting berth. That being said, the Colombian striker’s experience of playing in the La Liga should have him find it easy to adapt in the setup at Camp Nou.