The Catalans have the immediate objective of signing a striker during the next transfer window and are reportedly considering a Nigerian among their possible options.
Spanish giants Barcelona are looking at Nigerian forward Umar Sadiq as a potential transfer option when the winter transfer window opens in January, according to Spanish publication Fichajes, quoting a report from The Sun.
Barcelona are short on numbers in the striking department following the expected lengthy absence of Sergio Aguero.
The veteran striker, who arrived from Manchester City on a free in the summer, has been diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia, i.e., a heart rhythm rate disorder.
The loss of Aguero has further depleted a Barcelona side that lost Lionel Messi to PSG in the summer, with the Camp Nou landlords having the joint-lowest goals scored of La Liga’s current top six teams.
New Barca manager Xavi Hernandez is reportedly not a big fan of forward Luuk de Jong, which has fueled reports linking the Spanish giants to names like Raheem Sterling, Dani Olmo, Edinson Cavani, and Timo Werner.
But Barcelona may not have the financial strength to bring any of those high-profile names to Camp Nou in January, which may force the Catalans to look at other cheaper options like Sadiq.
The Nigerian forward’s quality is not in doubt, having netted 20 goals in his debut season in Spain.
The 24-year-old already has seven goals and six assists in 15 league games this season.
Barcelona may need to cough out €25 million for Sadiq, presently the most valuable player in the lower league.
But it may be hard to convince Almeria to part with their prized asset with the promotion-chasing Rojiblancos top of the Segunda Division.