MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 17: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on October 17, 2020 in Manchester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
According to The Sun (h/t Daily Mail), Barcelona are eyeing an audacious swoop for Sergio Aguero. The Manchester City talisman’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season and the Catalan club are keeping tabs on the situation. With just six months left on his current deal, the 32-year-old can talk to other clubs regarding a pre-contract agreement this month.
For six seasons, Luis Suarez was Barcelona’s go-to man alongside Lionel Messi. The Uruguayan wreaked havoc in Spain and Europe during that time and was one of Europe’s most elite strikers. Yet as he was shipped off to Atletico Madrid in the summer, Barcelona did not feel the need to go for replacements.
After the departure of Luis Suarez to Atletico Madrid, the club only have Martin Brathwaite to call on as a natural centre-forward. Griezmann does play in the attack but he is more suited to a second-striker position.
The absence of a No.9 is clearly visible as Griezmann and Fati like to stay out wide while Messi drops into the midfield. While the system isn’t bad per se and seems to be working, the club do need someone to replace Suarez and his goal contributions.
It may look like the striker is nearing his end due to age but Aguero looks anything but done at the club. He scored 23 goals last term despite being injured for most of the season. The fact that he has kept a younger Gabriel Jesus out of the team when fit speaks volumes about his abilities.
Adding another ageing player looks like the last thing Barcelona need but Aguero isn’t just any player. The forward has only gotten better with age and still possesses the hunger to succeed at the highest level.
Barcelona have been in dire straits in terms of finances, posting huge losses due to the pandemic. Adding a prolific striker like Aguero on a free transfer seems like a huge coup.
The Argentine will have the added incentive of linking up with his compatriot Lionel Messi, should the latter decide to stay. It looks like a win-win for Barcelona from all angles given the nature of the deal.