Bundesliga sensation Luka Jovic is not interested in a switch to Barcelona as he has concerns over the amount of game-time he will get, according to his father.
Barcelona’s hopes of signing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Luka Jovic in the summer transfer window seem to have taken a huge hit, with the Serb’s father claiming that a move to Camp Nou does not interest his son at this point of time, in an interview with German publication Bild.
Jovic has emerged as one of the most potent young marksmen across Europe this season. The 21-year-old, who came through the youth ranks at Red Star Belgrade joined Portuguese giants Benfica in February 2016. Having endured a difficult 18 months, the striker was sent to Eintracht Frankfurt on a two-year loan, with an option to make the switch permanent.
After a decent enough debut campaign in Germany, Jovic has lit the stage on fire this time out. The Serbian international has bagged 25 goals in 39 matches across all competitions, while also chalking up 7 assists, prompting Eintracht Frankfurt to make his transfer permanent.
However, his red-hot form has attracted suitors in plenty from across Europe, with Barcelona at the forefront. The Catalans are looking for a long-term successor for star striker Luis Suarez and have been heavily linked with a move for the 21-year-old Jovic, with reports claiming that a €50 million offer is in the works.
Jovic’s father, Milan, has confirmed that there has been interest from Barcelona, but has then poured cold water on their hopes of signing the 21-year-old, saying that the striker is not convinced he will get enough playing time with the La Liga champions.
Speaking to Bild, he said, “Luka has inquiries. The ones from Barcelona are there. But he has no interest. He does not know if he can play football there. He was here a few days ago and said, ‘Dad, I’m not worried about money. I want to play football.’ He wants to get to the Champions League with Eintracht and stay there.”
This is likely to come as a bitter blow for Barcelona, who had seemingly identified the 21-year-old Jovic as their primary target to boost their attacking ranks ahead of next season. However, with the striker’s father all but confirming that he is likely to continue at Eintracht next season, the Catalans will have to look elsewhere.
Another young and upcoming forward from Bundesliga – Borussia Dortmund’s Alexander Isak is also on Barcelona’s radar, while more accomplished names such as Marcus Rashford of Manchester United and Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann have also been linked. It remains to be seen who the reigning La Liga champions will sign in the summer.
