Xavi requests surprise striker signing for Barcelona

After the departure of Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, and Francisco Trincao in the summer transfer window, Ronald Koeman requested the signing of Luuk de Jong from Sevilla on loan.

The two had worked together with the Netherlands National Team and shared a mutual understanding. However, as one would expect, the transfer has not worked out, leaving the frontline in tatters.

For the past few weeks, for example, the Garnet and Blue have been forced to deploy Gavi on the wing partnering with a youth team winger. Luuk did not manage to cut time under Sergi Barjuan and it seems Xavi is not fond of him either.

He is, however, a fan of Al Sadd striker Baghdad Bounedjah and has requested his signing for Barcelona, if reports from SPORT are to be believed.

Playing in Qatar, Bounedjah has developed quite a reputation as a centre forward. This season alone, he’s managed to hit the back of the net 11 times in nine games, while assisting thrice.

He was also the top scorer of the Qatar Stars League last season, netting 21 goals in 19 appearances.

It’s no doubt that Xavi, who coached him for two years, will manage the bring the best out of him, but it seems rather questionable if his best would suffice for Barcelona.

The team is already struggling with surpluses like Luuk and Philippe Coutinho on the offensive end, and signing Bounedjah would only eat up more space. Not to mention, he’s 29 and may not be able to match Barcelona’s young setup toe for toe.

The Blaugrana continue to be linked with forwards from across continents but it seems they have their heart set on Karim Adeyemi and Raheem Sterling. The next summer window could be one full of surprises, though.