Aguero, Alaba offered to Barcelona amidst crisis
Sergio Aguero and David Alaba have been offered to Barcelona as summer transfer market additions as the club continue to fall into financial turmoil.
There are several areas in the Barça squad that need catering, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to pinpoint the areas of concern. However, the lack of an elite number 9 is probably a good place to start.
Since the departure of Luis Suarez, Barcelona have found themselves in the odd spot without a natural no. 9 in the club ranks. Martin Braithwaite did take up Suarez’s shirt number, but can hardly reciprocate the legendary striker’s form and skill. Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann have tried leading the line as fate 9s, but with little to no impact.
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Owing to the same, Manchester City have handed Barcelona the chance to sign Sergio Aguero, one of the biggest names in club football over the past decade. While there is absolutely no doubt over the Argentine’s ability, his injury concerns, coupled with gargantuan wages, make him an unfeasible option for the club.
It has been over a year since Aguero’s last goal for Manchester City in the Premier League, and nearly a month since his last appearance. What may seem like a heart-felt offer from City could very well be the chance to get rid of an injury-prone player. His signing could come as a silver lining, though, as uniting with his national team-mate may help Lionel Messi stay at the club.
Elsewhere, the Blaugranas are also in the market for a defender, with both the centre-back and left-back spots vulnerable right now. This is where David Alaba could come in as a luxury signing. The Austrian can not only fill those two roles but also cover in the defensive midfield for Sergio Busquets, allowing Frenkie de Jong to rove in an advanced role.
His wages of nearly €8-9 million may cause some debate about his signing, but Barcelona will be able to save up on his transfer fee as his contract expires in June, after which the 28-year-old will become a free agent. Alaba’s signing is one that Barcelona should not think about twice.