Top five strikers that Barcelona can buy to replace Sergio Aguero

The Blaugrana require solid options upfront to ease the team’s goalscoring burden.

Catalan giants, FC Barcelona seem to attract one problem after the other in light of their current form. With Sergio Aguero announcing his retirement due to a serious heart condition, Xavi’s job in this transitional phase becomes even more difficult. 

With proper recruitment and scouting, they must look to secure the services of a promising player whose wages must also be within their stringent budget. The winter transfer window will be pivotal for Xavi to make a move for a forwards who suits his ideology and plan of action in the summer window. Let’s take a look at five of the strikers that Barcelona can buy to replace Sergio Aguero:

5. Karim Adeyemi (Red Bull Salzburg)

19-year-old German striker Karim Adeyemi has enjoyed his breakthrough season at Salzburg. The silky-skilled attacker has managed to register 18 goals and four assists in a mere 28 games. He has also managed to replicate a bit of former Salzburg striker Erling Haaland’s form in the UEFA Champions League, as he clinched three goals and two assists in only six games.

At such a young age, he definitely fits Xavi’s criteria of building a young, attacking squad, as he could add another level of dynamism to the club’s attack. It will no doubt be tough to bring him to La Liga, as Salzburg players generally lean towards Bundesliga as their next step and Adeyemi has already started recognizing Dortmund as one of his possible destinations.

4. Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen)

The UEFA Euro 2020 Goal of the Tournament recipient has raised plenty of eyebrows after an impressive performance at the Euro 2020 competition. The 25-year-old Czech striker made a move to Leverkusen in 2020, after his Bundesliga debut with Red Bulls Leipzig proved to be efficient. 

He has since gone on to score 29 goals and record nine assists in 53 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen. His height and physical prowess will be a welcome attribute for Barcelona, as he would supplement their attack by bullying defenders and providing a consistent aerial threat at the same time. What remains to be seen is his decision on which club he would join, as the likes of Manchester City and La Liga rivals Real Madrid have also entered the fray to compete for the young forward.

3. Anthony Martial (Manchester United)

Anthony Martial’s agent Philippe Lamboley confirmed a week back that his client was seeking a way out of Old Trafford. Gazzetta Dello Sport reports that the French striker has “broken up” with United ahead of an anticipated winter switch. With an abundance of forward options in Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani, Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, Manchester United are not too possessive about the forward and could let him look for greener pastures. 

Martial has already impressed France national team manager Didier Deschamps in his recent appearances for Les Bleus, but he needs more playing time to consolidate his place for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. As he demonstrated during last season’s Premier League restart, he can be a tremendous asset with his finesse in shooting and unmatched dribbling skills. Xavi would surely favour him owing to his versatility in attack and the potentially rewarding partnership he might produce with fellow Frenchman Ousmane Dembele. 

2. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)

Aubameyang is another name that has emerged on the transfer wishlist of many clubs In the light of the recent controversy with head coach Mikel Arteta, that saw him being stripped of his role as club captain. Though this event might be somewhat of a concern for Barcelona, his experience and expertise speak for themselves.

The 32 year old Gabonese forward has contributed to a whopping 92 goals and 21 assists in 162 matches for the Gunners.  His renowned pace, finishing and off-the-ball movement also earned him a Premier League Golden Boot in only his second season (2018/19) in the competition, as he finished level on 22 goals with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.  He would surely prove to be a lethal addition in a Barcelona attack already boasting the likes of Dembele and Memphis Depay. 

1. Edinson Cavani (Manchester United)

Edinson Cavani is probably closest to joining the Barcelona. According to the Spanish media outlet Marca, Cavani has agreed to a deal to join Barcelona from Manchester United and the Uruguayan will sign a short-term contract until the end of the season. The only concern to this move is his recovery from injury, as Barca wants assurances that he has fully recovered before committing to an agreement. 

For Manchester United, he has contributed to 18 goals and six assists from 47 appearances. His link-up play, adept ball control and ferocious finishing are sure to be quintessential for FC Barcelona should he join them eventually. 

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