€40 million-rated Czech striker on Barcelona radar for the summer

Barcelona have dealt a blow in their pursuit of Erling Haaland as the striker is believed to be closing in on a move to Manchester City.

The 21-year-old had been the top target for Joan Laporta & co. heading into the summer following his amazing exploits with Borussia Dortmund over the past two years. However, he is seemingly leaning towards a move to the Etihad Stadium leaving the Catalans in limbo.

Alternatives are already being lined up by the La Liga giants in light of this development, with Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich among the options being looked at. The misfiring Chelsea duo of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner is also understood to be on the agenda for Barça.

Now, Mundo Deportivo has also added the name of Bayer Leverkusen forward Patrik Schick as a name that Barcelona will consider as Plan B in case they miss out on Haaland’s services.

Since his move to the BayArena in 2020, the 26-year-old has been in top form. After a decent debut season for Die Werkself, the Czech Republic international enjoyed a productive UEFA Euro 2020 campaign last summer and has been going strong in the ongoing campaign.

Schick has netted 20 goals from 20 Bundesliga appearances in the 2021/22 season, averaging a goal every 78 minutes. He also has three assists to go along with his 20 strikes.

Transfermarkt places his current market value at €40 million, although considering his contract with Leverkusen runs until 2025, the Bundesliga outfit will likely demand a much higher sum for their prized asset.

Currently out with an injury, Schick has proven himself to be an able operator at the club and international level. At 26, he is entering the peak years of his career as well and can prove to be a valuable signing for Barcelona.

Any move, though, would depend on Haaland’s decision and then the asking price that Leverkusen might place on Schick.

Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.