Barcelona are reportedly not interested in a move for Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic as they are on the lookout for a younger forward.
Spanish publication Sport have claimed that Barcelona are looking for a young forward to add to their squad. The report quoted the Head of Professional Sports at Barcelona, revealing that the club “are looking for a young forward, 22 years old.” The revelation isn’t much of a surprise as all of Barcelona’s signings in the current transfer window fit the same profile in their respective positions. Lucas Digne, Samuel Umtiti, Andre Gomes and Denis Suarez are all young players at or around the age of 22 as Barcelona seem to be interested in buying long-term instead of looking for short-term solutions.
This is a fresh approach by the Catalan club and one that would be widely appreciated by the Blaugranes’ faithful. The fans have been disappointed by the recruitment policy in the recent past, with players like Jeremy Mathieu, Thomas Vermaelen, Arda Turan coming to the club. The three players were over or around the age of 30. The recent transfers have been rather good with the fans. The Barcelona hierarchy would be hoping that these players can establish themselves in the first-team and stay there for at least five to ten years ahead.
Sport have also revealed that, in light of the recent change of trend in players targeted by the club, Barcelona are not interested in securing a move for Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic. The player is already 30 and does not fit the profile the Blaugranes want their targets to be.
Albert Soler, the Professional Sports Head, also revealed that the club had “four to six candidates” and shed some light on the possibility of any transfer happening.
“The objective is that they are here for the start of La Liga. If we can close the deal in 15 days, we will do.”
Soler claimed that, as per the objective, negotiations were already underway but also reiterated that the club only wanted to bring in players that want to come in because they want to play for the club and not for any other reason.
“There are various open negotiations and one of the conditions that we want is that the player wants to come to FC Barcelona.”
Barcelona have not seen any potential superstar coming from the ranks of the academy and have thus been forced to change their transfer policy. Nevertheless, Barcelona seem intent on building a dynasty than preparing for the war to defend their Liga BBVA trophy.
