FC Barcelona, after an impressive start to the La Liga season, have squandered their momentum, securing only one point from their last three league matches. Hansi Flick would understandably be furious with his team’s recent performances.
As good as the first-team is at Barcelona when everyone is fit, what is clear now is that Hansi Flick’s squad lacks backups at the same levels as some of their starters. In the long run, this is bound to result in poor results for the team.
One position, for example, where the backup isn’t at the same level as the starter is the striker role. Robert Lewandowski, in all fairness to him, has turned the clock back with some vintage displays but at 36, playing 90 minutes every week is not ideal.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 26: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's first goal from a penalty during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between FC Barcelona and Stade Brestois 29 at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on November 26, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Time to shop in the Premier League?
Now, according to Mundo Deportivo (h/t The Sun), Barcelona have identified Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak as a potential reinforcement for their forward line and have made him their top target for next summer.
The €75m-rated Swedish ace is no stranger to La Liga, having made a name for himself at Real Sociedad. Now among the elite in world football, he is regarded as one of the best strikers in Europe.
It was previously reported that Isak was Barcelona’s plan B if they failed to sign talented Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres. It remains to be seen which of these two strikers the club will ultimately target ahead of next season.
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - MARCH 25: Viktor Gyokeres of Sweden looks on during the international friendly match between Sweden and Albania at Friends Arena on March 25, 2024 in Stockholm, Sweden.
Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images
Isak or Gyokeres – The dilemma
Viktor Gyökeres is the standout player of the season, thanks to his impressive performances in the Portuguese league with a strong Sporting side. He has been scoring goals consistently and, of the two, is probably the more natural number nine.
However, Alexander Isak is a more complete striker. He is athletic, mobile, and strong in the air, with an excellent eye for goal. Between the two, the Newcastle United forward could prove to be the more expensive option. It will be interesting to see how things unfold as Barcelona moves forward with their pursuit of a new striker.
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BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 23: Dani Olmo of FC Barcelona reacts as he warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munchen at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 23, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.
Picture shows FC Barcelona's badge displayed on a wall of the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on March 13, 2015.
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 10: Head coach Hansi Flick of FC Barcelona looks on prior to the LaLiga match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona at Reale Arena on November 10, 2024 in San Sebastian, Spain.