Lionel Messi bars another one of Barcelona’s potential signings
Barcelona’s transfer ambitions have taken a hilt as Lionel Messi has stood in the way of the club and one of their targets yet again.
Barcelona’s attacking trident is yet to find a third regular since Neymar departed for Paris Saint-Germain back in 2017. The Catalans are yet to make a convincing signing that could accompany Luis Suarez or Lionel Messi in the attacking line. Neither Malcom, nor Ousmane Dembele has been convincing enough and it’s best to not talk of Philippe Coutinho in this context.
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Malcom’s displays have significantly improved lately and the Brazilian has scored some vital goals for Ernesto Valverde’s side. However, his exit rumours have not cooled down just yet and he could still be heading elsewhere in search of more playing time. At Barcelona, they do not forget that Willian is still an option to be potentially signed.
The Brazil international is the age-old dream of Ernesto Valverde, who believes that Willian’s speed, goal and hunger on the pitch could fix the piece that Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi are missing next to them in the attack. However, getting Willian to the Camp Nou is going to be very difficult as Barcelona will need to beat three hurdles which are in their way.
The first one is the team’s captain- Lionel Messi. The Argentina international has a huge say on the transfer matters in the Camp Nou and has suggested against Willian’s arrival. The former Shakhtar Donetsk winger will turn 31 in August and paying 65 million euros to the Stamford Bridge outlet for someone of his age seems exorbitant.
Secondly, Maurizio Sarri considers Willian as an indispensable member in his squad. The likes of Olivier Giroud, Alvaro Morata, Pedro, Gonzalo Higuain and Callum Hudson-Odoi have all had their fair share of minutes on the bench this season, but Willian continues to play often alongside Eden Hazard.
Lastly, Chelsea have been slapped with FIFA’s sanctions which ban them from signing players for two transfer windows. Given that Alvaro Morata might head to Atletico Madrid permanently and even Eden Hazard seems set to go to Real Madrid, selling Willian could be the last thing that the Blues might want to do.
Next. Lionel Messi gives the OK to Barca to sign 'next Jordi Alba'. dark
Should Barcelona pay 65 million euros for Willian if the player wants to join them?