Three reasons why Xavi wants to sign Cavani for Barcelona

With the January transfer window nearing, rumours of Barcelona’s interest in signing Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani are picking up steam.

The 34-year-old has lost his place in the side this season following the arrival of Cristiano Ronald in the summer. Fitness issues have also played a part in his reduced involvement in the ongoing campaign, as he has featured in only five Premier League games so far in 2021/22.

With his contract running out at the end of the season, Cavani is believed to be open to the idea of moving in January. Reports have even claimed that the Uruguayan international is open to terminating his contract to secure a transfer to Barça.

The Catalans are desperate to sign a new striker in the winter window due to their issues in front of goal. And while several players were linked, it seems like Xavi Hernandez & co. have narrowed in on Cavani.

And Fichajes has now come out with a report in which it claims to reveal the three reasons why the Barcelona boss requested the signing of the veteran Manchester United star.

Firstly, Cavani’s mind-blowing goalscoring record throughout his career is said to be the main clincher for Barça. Be it at Palermo, Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain or now at Manchester United, the 34-year-old has delivered the goods in front of goal consistently.

The Uruguayan is the all-time leading goalscorer for PSG, with 200 strikes in 301 games, while his first season in England saw him plunder 17 goals. He also has an impressive return of 104 goals in 138 matches for Napoli. This track record has convinced Xavi & co.

Secondly, despite his advancing age, Cavani displays immense industry and work rate on the pitch. While he has had injury problems this term, the veteran Uruguayan is still in a very good physical condition and is capable of pressing the opponents from the front, which is crucial to the way Xavi wants his team to play.

The third reason why Barcelona are keen on landing the 34-year-old is his movement in the final third. Cavani is not a static target man like Luuk de Jong but offers great mobility at the top. His intelligent movement and ability to make sharp runs in and around the box have been on constant display for United.

Such mobility not only helps create space for other forwards but also allows the creative midfielders to make incisive passes to carve out the opposition defences.

With the rumours gathering pace with each passing day, it will be interesting to see if Barcelona end up signing Cavani from Manchester United in January.