Xavi had decided which striker he wanted to replace Robert Lewandowski at Barcelona
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez had reportedly already decided who he wanted to replace Robert Lewandowski before he left the club at the end of the season.
Lewandowski is one of several players that the coach had reportedly deemed surplus to requirements, a decision that seems to have contributed to his downfall.
Diario Sport are now reporting that Xavi had been keen to bring in Artem Dovbyk from Girona after seeing the Ukraine international impress in La Liga.
Dovbyk arrived for a club-record fee last August from Dnipro-1 and went on to challenge for the Pichichi – scoring 24 La Liga goals in 36 games for Michel’s side.
However, a move always seemed unlikely, with Lewandowski unwilling to leave Barcelona and Dovbyk having a release clause set at 40 million euros.
Lewandowski now looks set to play a key role next season as he’s reunited with Hansi Flick once again in Catalunya.
The Poland international posted very impressive numbers under Flick at Bayern, and Barcelona would love a repeat next season.
