FC Barcelona have been linked with a host of no. 9s for a potential move next summer. Replacing Robert Lewandowski is an important task that Deco and co. need to pull off, and it will not be straightforward.
The Pole has performed brilliantly despite his advancing age and remains a force to be reckoned with, as evidenced by his hat-trick against Celta Vigo recently. However, at 37, he may be nearing the end of his time in Europe.
One of the names linked with the club is Ligue 1 sensation Joaquin Panichelli. A relatively unknown commodity before this season, the 23-year-old has been making waves with his performances so far.
After a sensational loan spell at Mirandes in the second division of Spanish football, where he scored 21 goals and provided 8 assists in 44 matches, Panichelli has carried that form into Ligue 1 with Strasbourg, scoring 9 goals in 12 league matches and emerging as Ligue 1’s top scorer at this stage of the season.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the 23-year-old continues to make giant strides and made his international debut for Argentina in their recent 2-0 win over Angola. He came on in the 86th minute, replacing Lionel Messi.
He had the opportunity to score minutes after coming on, but blazed his shot over the bar. Regardless, it was another indication that his stock is on the rise, and it may only be a matter of time before the wider world takes notice.
A potential move to Barcelona could be on the cards next summer, should he continue at a similar level and sustain this form in Ligue 1. Let us wait and see how Panichelli’s development pans out and whether he wears the Blaugrana jersey in the future.