Barcelona are reportedly considering signing Torino and Italy striker Andrea Belotti on a free transfer in the summer transfer window later this year.
According to a report from Fichajes, Barcelona are looking to secure the services of Torino centre-forward Andrea Belotti in the summer transfer window, when he will become a free agent.
Belotti has been one of the most consistent strikers in Italian football in recent years. The 28-year-old has been with Torino since 2015 when he arrived from Palermo, and has subsequently grown into the role of the club captain. To date, he has plundered 100 goals and set up 27 more from 257 appearances for the Granata.
However, the ongoing campaign has been a slow one for the Italian international due to injuries. He has featured just nine times in Serie A in 2021/22, finding the back of the net just twice. Despite his poor return this term, Belotti’s stock remains high in the transfer market as Barcelona are plotting to sign him at the end of the season when his contract with Torino expires.
Barcelona are in desperate need of striking reinforcements immediately and in the summer transfer window, with manager Xavi Hernandez having no viable No. 9 at his disposal. Sergio Aguero was forced into early retirement due to unfortunate circumstances. At the same time, Luuk de Jong, who arrived in the summer, is expected to depart from Camp Nou in the current transfer window.
The Blaugrana will need a new striker to carry the goalscoring burden immediately, leading to talks of a move for Alvaro Morata. However, the Spaniard would only arrive on a loan deal while his form has been questionable in recent seasons. So the Catalan giants are expected to dip their toes into the transfer market for another striker in the summer.
A move for Erling Haaland continues to be mooted despite Barcelona’s poor financial situation. At the same time, they are also keeping eyes on economical, affordable options such as Edinson Cavani, who will be available on a free transfer. Belotti, too, is among the free agents that Barcelona are keeping tabs on, along with Adnan Januzaj, Cesar Azpilicueta and Franck Kessie.
Belotti, who was part of the Italy squad that won the UEFA Euro 2020, can be a handy signing for Barcelona in the summer as a backup striker if not as the first choice. Experienced at this level and a potent goalscorer, the 28-year-old is in his peak years and also brings leadership skills to the table.
What now remains to be seen is whether Barcelona press ahead with their interest in the Italian international or look for more high-profile signings in the summer.
