Barcelona keeping tabs on 18-goal Chelsea, Fulham striker target – report
Barcelona have recently completed the signing of Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque. The 19-year-old has signed a long-term deal with the Catalans, with a €1 billion release clause in his contract.
Barça will be hoping he can make the centre-forward slot his own for several years, and compete with Real Madrid’s Endrick, who is touted to the be the next big thing in football.
The Catalans also have a certain Marc Guiu in their ranks, who has done bits for each youth side he has played for. His physical profile and incredible scoring instincts make his profile very valuable.
Despite having two of the most highly-rated teenage strikers in the world, Barcelona seem to be interested in signing another centre-forward soon, and have been scouting one, as revealed by The Standard.
The report suggests that Barcelona are keeping tabs on AZ Alkmaar’s Vangelis Pavlidis, who wants to leave Eredivisie this month.
Fulham, Chelsea interested
Pavlidis ended last season with Alkmaar with 12 goals and eight appearances in 25 games in the league, and has taken his exploits further this season, hoping for big move.
The Greek striker is the joint-top scorer (alongside Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez) in Eredivisie this season with a massive 18 goals in 16 games so far.
He has attracted interest from the Premier League in the form of Chelsea, who have been scouting him, and Fulham, who could actively pursue him if Carlos Vinicius or Rodrigo Muniz leave them in the winter.
Alongside them, the report confirms that Barcelona and AC Milan have also kept tabs on him in recent weeks.
BU’s take
It is hard to believe that there is any truth to this report. With Robert Lewandowski contracted until 2026, and Vitor Roque’s arriving this month, it would be silly of Barcelona to pursue another striker. One that will likely cost upwards €40-50 million.
More so considering that the blaugranes have far bigger fish to fry as far as their squad is concerned. The pivot, for example, is screaming for reinforcement, and the team also needs an 8, and possibly more fullbacks.
