BARCELONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 13: Luis Suarez of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and SD Eibar at Camp Nou on January 13, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Barcelona target an unlikely replacement for Luis Suarez
Barcelona have shortlisted an unlikely player as a potential replacement for Luis Suarez, who has undeniably started slowing down in the last few months.
Barcelona are now in pole position to win the treble for a historic third time, but that does not mean that they will have a peaceful transfer period during the summer. There are several agendas in the boardroom and one of those at the top of the pile is the necessity of signing a replacement for superstar frontman Luis Suarez.
There are several names on the wish-list, but signing those is not a feasible option for now. Krzysztof Piatek has signed for AC Milan, Luka Jovic prefers a move to Real Madrid over the Catalans and Barcelona will have to pay through their nose for Marcus Rashford. Antoine Griezmann has been offered to them, but the Frenchman doesn’t interest Barca much.
As a result, Barcelona are once again considering the possibility of signing Brazilian and Everton striker Richarlison during the summer, as reported by the MARCA. The former Watford forward has had a slow second half in the Premier League, but the fact that he has 12 goals to his name despite being in a side outside the usual top 6 is positive.
His exploits at the Goodison Park have not gone unnoticed by Brazilian boss Tite who has called the 21-year-old for international selection several times. Given that Richarlison was valued at just three million euros a couple of years ago, his stock has risen significantly of late and he could surely be a great signing for Barcelona.
However, there are a few negatives when it comes to signing him. Firstly, Everton will be heavily reluctant in letting go of him and with the relationship that the two clubs share, asking the Brazilian to force a move would be ludicrous. Secondly, Richarlison does not hold a European passport just yet and will fill up one of the non-EU slots in the roster.
Yet, the fact that the club’s sporting director Eric Abidal is attracted towards signing Richarlison is his transfer fee- 30 million euros- which is cut-price considering his potential. Moreover, Barcelona has lent a hand to Everton by dealing in players like Lucas Digne, Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes last year, so they might be expecting a reversal this time.
Would Richarlison be able to replicate Luis Suarez’s 30 odd goals per season at Barcelona?
