La Liga heavyweights Barcelona have reportedly set their sights on 31-year-old Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez.
According to a report by ESPN, Raul Jimenez has emerged on the radar of Barcelona. The Catalan giants are keen on signing a striker in the summer transfer window. And Wolverhampton Wanderers are ready to part ways with the 31-year-old following the arrival of Matheus Cunha.
Raul Jimenez has endured a rollercoaster ride since joining Wolverhampton Wanderers from Benfica. The Premier League outfit initially signed him on loan for the 2018/19 season before completing a permanent transfer three and a half years ago. And the Mexican international has been the leading scorer for the Midlands outfit during his stint.
But the 31-year-old has seen his performance levels drop since suffered a horrific head injury in the 2020/21 season. And fitness issues have plagued the player this term, as he has managed just six outings thus far, scoring twice. Jimenez is now facing the axe at the Molineux following the arrival of Matheus Cunha. And he has emerged as a target for Barcelona.
Barcelona signed a striker in the summer transfer window by bringing in Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich. But Lewandowski is the only recognised striker in the club’s books, creating a tricky situation for Xavi Hernandez. The Barcelona boss can utilise Memphis Depay, Ansu Fati, and Ferran Torres as central strikers. But Depay and Torres face uncertain futures at Spotify Camp Nou.
So Barcelona will need to delve into the market for a recognised striker this year. And with a January deal unlikely, the Blaugrana will look to bring someone to Camp Nou in the summer. And Jimenez has emerged as a viable target for Barcelona amid uncertainties surrounding him at the Molineux.
Wolverhampton Wanderers will have no qualms about parting ways with the 31-year-old. And after experiencing the Premier League for half a decade, it might be time for Jimenez to move to La Liga. The experienced striker might not be expensive either, considering his contract expires in 18 months.
Meanwhile, Jimenez is not the only Wolverhampton Wanderers player on Barcelona’s radar. The Catalan giants also want to sign Ruben Neves from the Premier League club. And it will be interesting to see if the duo reunites at Spotify Camp Nou next season.
