Barcelona continues to actively search for a striker to strengthen Hansi Flick’s offensive line after the rejection of Nico Williams. Several names have been linked with a move to Camp Nou, such as Luis Díaz and Marcus Rashford, but a Barça legend, Pedro Rodríguez Ledesma, ‘Pedrito’, has spoken out to make a serious recommendation to Joan Laporta and Deco, who are continuing to work to increase competition in the most advanced part of the squad.
It’s been a very eventful summer at Barcelona. Problems with registering players remain very much alive, and the case that is causing the most concern right now is that of Joan García. The Catalan goalkeeper, who is already training at Barça’s training ground, arrived at Camp Nou to be the first-choice keeper, which, added to the renewal of Szczesny’s contract, means that Ter Stegen and Iñaki Peña will have to leave the club. Once the German goalkeeper, who is being shown the door, leaves, the wage bill will be reduced and LaLiga will be able to sign the former Espanyol player.
But, without a doubt, the biggest soap opera Barcelona has experienced this summer is that of Nico Williams. It seemed that the Spanish international was set to become a new Blaugrana player, but everything went wrong when, unexpectedly, he announced his renewal with Athletic Club until 2035. This has meant that the club’s sporting director has had to get back to work to find a striker, as they are clear that they want to bring in a forward to compete and increase the quality of a line-up that already includes Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Robert Lewandowski.
The options on the table
Once Nico Williams’ “no” was confirmed, Barcelona moved on to the other options being considered by the sporting director, Deco. Option A became Luis Díaz, but signing the Colombian looks very complicated. Firstly, because of Liverpool’s high financial demands and, even if the player wants to wear the Barça shirt, the other drawback comes with his registration in LaLiga. In addition, Bayern Munich has interfered in the operation and sources in Germany claim that there is an agreement between the player and the Bavarian club, as well as that they are willing to offer between €60 million and €70 million for the Colombian.
Another name being mentioned as a possible signing for Barcelona is Marcus Rashford. The Manchester United forward is set to leave Old Trafford and wants to join Camp Nou to play alongside Lamine Yamal. It should be noted that he would be willing to take a pay cut. The main drawback for Barcelona is that the English international is not the same player he was five years ago and his form has declined.
Pedrito’s recommendation
In light of this situation, Pedrito gave an interview to the digital media outlet Jijantes, where he was asked about the signing that should arrive at Barcelona to fill a position on the field that he knows very well. “I would opt for a player from the youth academy who you can polish,” the Canary Islands footballer told Gerard Romero. “Obviously, he has to be good. Signing a star always generates more excitement, but Barça needs to adjust one or two pieces and the rest would be to continue building from the youth academy,” said the Tenerife native.
On the other hand, Pedrito also spoke about a possible tribute, as his retirement is drawing nearer. “I’ve talked about it with Joan Laporta, playing a friendly match with some of my former teammates, as a kind of farewell. It’s something I’d like to do because of everything Barcelona has meant to me,” replied the Lazio player, who has renewed his contract with the Roman club for another season.