Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly decided not to sell Patrik Schick this summer amid interest in his services from Barcelona and Manchester United.
According to Fichajes, Barcelona and Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick as Bayer Leverkusen have decided not to sell their prized asset in the summer.
Schick came through the youth ranks at Sparta Prague in his homeland and had a loan stint at Bohemians 1905 before signing for Sampdoria in 2016. A year later, the 26-year-old joined AS Roma on loan, with the move being made permanent in 2018. However, he did not have the best of stints in the Italian capital and left for RB Leipzig on loan in 2019.
Schick had a decent 2019/20 season with the Bundesliga outfit but returned to Roma at the end of the campaign. The Czech Republic international was then bagged by Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2020 and the forward has been performing exceptionally for Die Werkself ever since.
In 65 appearances, Schick has netted 35 goals, with 22 of those coming in the ongoing campaign. Given his impressive return this season, the former Roma striker has been attracting interest from several top clubs across Europe. There have been links to La Liga heavyweights Barcelona, who are in the market for a new forward.
Indeed, Barcelona have their eyes on signing a new prolific goalscorer and have been looking at Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski. However, the former is edging closer to joining Manchester City, while Bayern Munich are reluctant to sell the latter, making things hard for Barcelona. So, Schick would be a viable alternative for the club to look at.
Manchester United, too, have been credited with an interest in Schick. The Red Devils will see Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani leave in the summer while speculations around Cristiano Ronaldo’s future continue. So, even though recent reports indicate that Erik ten Hag wants to keep the Portuguese maverick, a new forward will be needed in the summer, making Schick a target.
However, as per the report, Bayer Leverkusen have made it clear that they will not be parting ways with Schick in the summer. Club CEO Fernando Carro had commented recently that the forward will not leave and the German giants have seemingly doubled down on the stance.
Director Simon Rolfes has also made a statement on the matter to BILD (h/t Fabrizio Romano), saying: “Nobody needs to contact us for Patrik as he will play with us next season, that’s very clear. There’s interest but he’s key player for our plans.” So, as things stand, Barcelona and Manchester United must look elsewhere to bolster their attacking ranks.
