With Luis Suarez’s contract at Barcelona on the brink of termination, the club is looking at Gabriel Jesus as his replacement.
According to a report published by The Guardian, Gabriel Jesus has popped up on Barcelona’s radar. The Catalan giants are looking at replacements for Luis Suarez, whose contract might be terminated soon.
In 2017, multiple European clubs were chasing the signature of Gabriel Jesus while he was at Palmeiras, including Barcelona, but Manchester City’s €32 million bid was too good to turn down for the Brazilian club. He moved to England in January 2017 and was quick to make his mark in the Premier League.
In 10 games, Jesus managed to score seven goals and provide four assists – a goal or assist every 60 minutes. Despite finding his feet quickly, the Brazilian has been struggling with his finishing over the last two seasons. He has missed the most number of big chances in the Premier League in both seasons with 18 and 24 respectively.
Notwithstanding that, Jesus is a wanted man in today’s market. His ability to play anywhere across the frontline, and act as an anchor is extremely useful in modern football, with most teams craving utility players.
Barcelona will be one of the clubs in the market for a striker, now that reports have suggested that Suarez is no longer in Ronald Koeman’s plans. Moreover, his contract could be terminated if he refuses to leave. The Uruguayan is one of the highest earners in world football, and even at the age of 33 has a goalscoring return of 21 goals and ten assists in 36 matches across all competitions.
The Catalan giants may even be forced to sell Lionel Messi, who is pushing for an exit from the club and has reportedly agreed personal terms with Manchester City. The Argentine has a gigantic, unreachable €700 million release clause in his contract, so City might be forced to pay Barcelona in the form of some money upfront + players.
Gabriel Jesus, Eric Garcia, and Bernardo Silva are the players that could be included in this deal on top of the agreed on €100 million. Barcelona have faced problems with their striker and centre back throughout the season, and this transaction could turn out too good to turn down even if it means selling the best on the planet.
