Barcelona are eyeing a late move for Sevilla striker Luuk de Jong with talks progressing well between all parties.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are in advanced negotiations to sign Luuk de Jong from Sevilla in the next hours. Ronald Koeman views the frontman as a perfect addition to offset a major departure that might happen before the transfer deadline.
There could be a sudden flurry of transfer activity at Barcelona after late developments with Antoine Griezmann. The French star is reportedly close to rejoining Athletico Madrid in the coming hours, with a deal being brokered between the two La Liga giants. Multiple reports from credible sources suggest a move could surely be done.
If Griezmann leaves Barcelona, the club might need to find a viable replacement in the squad. From an attacking sense, Barcelona are already weakened after Lionel Messi departed. If Greizmann is to depart, then there could be serious problems in the frontline.
The club have identified Sevilla’s Luuk de Jong as a player who could come in and provide cover to the forward line. There are no suggestions that Koeman thinks De Jong would be a sure starter, with the likes of Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero all ahead of him in terms of quality.
Barcelona are progressing in negotiations to sign Luuk de Jong from Sevilla. Talks now advanced to sign Dutch striker – personal terms agreed and club close to reach an agreement! ??? #FCB #DeadlineDay
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2021
However, with Aguero injured and Depay still getting grips on the league, de Jong could be a decent short term fix for the team. His performances at Sevilla and the Dutch national team have managed to convince Koeman that he could be the perfect squad player for Barcelona.
It could also be the case of not being able to find the right striker so late in the transfer window. The Griezmann story developing so late in the day has given Barcelona no room to react properly and they could be going with the closest available option possible here.
However, de Jong is no stranger to Koeman or some of the players at Barcelona. With Dutch teammates present at the club, he will find it easy to integrate. Moreover, Koeman has managed the 31-year-old striker for the national team and would ease him through proceedings.
There is no update on the fee agreement between Sevilla and Barcelona yet. Those details could emerge within the next few hours as the deal inches closer to completion. For now, de Jong has agreed personal terms with Barcelona and the clubs are on the verge of finalising the transfer.