Cedric Bakambu has responded to widespread speculation linking him with Barcelona, insisting it is flattering to be linked with the Blaugrana.
In an interview with French outlet Foot Mercato, Cedric Bakambu was quizzed about the recent rumours linking him with Barcelona. And the DR Congo striker has asserted that he is flattered by the links with the Blaugrana while adding that he is taking it as a source of motivation.
Cedric Bakambu has most recently played for Beijing Guoan, joining the Chinese Super League Club from Villarreal in January 2018. And the 30-year-old continued from where he had left off in La Liga, amassing 58 goals and 21 assists in 85 appearances for the Imperial Guards.
Bakambu has now appeared to have become a free agent, although there is very little clarity on his contractual situation at Beijing Guoan. The DR Congo striker could well be on his way back to La Liga, with Barcelona among the clubs keen on signing him in the January transfer window.
Bakambu could be a short-term solution for Barcelona following Sergio Aguero’s premature retirement due to a heart ailment. With Martin Braithwaite and Luuk de Jong being unreliable as regular options to spearhead the attack, the Blaugrana can do with someone of the 30-year-old’s qualities.
The DR Congo striker has now responded to the widespread speculation linking him with Barcelona, and he has said that the rumours are flattering. Bakambu said, “Of course, it’s flattering to be associated with Barcelona. Now, it’s not an end in itself, I take it as a source of motivation, it pushes me to perform.”
“It proves that my work in China paid off. Despite the fact that I went into exile on the other side of the planet, the European teams still think of Cedric Bakambu and, for me, it’s the fruit of the work accomplished, let’s put it that way.”
Bakambu was then asked about his next adventure, and he was coy in his reply. The experienced striker said, “It will depend on the club that wants to sign me. I attach a lot of importance to relationships, it’s important.”
“I want to feel wanted by the management, but especially by the technical staff. We know very well that in a group, the coach’s opinion is essential. This is clearly what I’m looking for with the sporting challenge.”
Bakambu could be an alternative to one of Barcelona’s key targets, Alvaro Morata. With the pursuit of the Spanish international hitting a snag in the last few days, Barcelona might need to look at alternatives, and it will be interesting to see if the 30-year-old emerges as one.
