Alexis Sanchez could be headed back to Barcelona
For Barcelona, offloading Luuk de Jong is the priority
Barcelona recognize they need reinforcements during the winter transfer window — especially in the forward line. However, the obstacle, one which is beginning to sound repetitious, is the fact they don’t have the funds to simply go out and get a player.
So, loan or swap deals are the best they can hope for. They also need to get rid of a few players to make room in the squad and remain within the wage bill limit imposed by La Liga.
The Catalans might have found a way to kill two birds with one stone, which would see a familiar face returning to the Camp Nou.
According to Sport, Barcelona are working on a swap deal with Inter Milan that would see Luuk de Jong head to Italy with Alexis Sanchez heading the other way. The talks are reportedly in an advanced stage with manager Xavi Hernandez having the final say.
https://twitter.com/sport/status/1471192488908136460
De Jong was signed from Sevilla on a loan and was a player wanted by former manager Ronald Koeman. Since his arrival, the Dutch striker has only scored one goal and has played very little under Xavi. In other words, the writing is on the wall.
He is almost a certainty to leave once the transfer window opens. In addition to Inter, Fenerbahçe is also reportedly interested in the Dutchman.
Sanchez’s stint with Barcelona, under Pep Guardiola and Tata Martino, had its ups and downs. He was inconsistent at times and ended up relegated to the bench his final two seasons. He left at the end of the 2014 season and joined Arsenal where he excelled.
He then went to Manchester United, where he struggled, before landing at Inter. He’s seen his playing time reduced and would not be opposed to a move.
The club is desperate to offload De Jong and with Sevilla not counting on him either, they know he has very few potential suitors. The question then becomes whether or not they are desperate enough to take on Sanchez’s wages.
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On paper, the swap deal looks rather interesting and appealing for Barcelona. Given Alexis soon to be 33, his age may prove a hindrance. The last thing they want is for him to take up a spot on the roster that could be better filled by someone else.