On November 10, FC Barcelona’s new head coach, Xavi Hernandez, was introduced. The Spaniard was named as Ronald Koeman’s replacement and left Qatar’s Al-Sadd to rejoin Blaugrana, this time as head coach. The announcement was dubbed a “poetic reunion” between the club and one of its most influential players.
Xavi was known for his fluid passing, which he enforced during his time in Qatar. He will undoubtedly continue to impose his style on Barcelona.
Barcelona is currently in ninth place in the La Liga table. The Spaniards will try to restore them to their former glory when they dominated world football.
The Barcelona squad is in desperate need of reinforcements. While the squad is blessed with raw young talents such as Ansu Fati, Pedri, and others, there is definitely a need for some offensive reinforcements.
Let’s look at five strikers who could join Xavi in January.
Number 5: Andrea Belotti
The Italian had a fantastic season last year while playing for Torino and the Italian national team. Belotti has been with Torino since 2015 and has a very good record for the club.
Belotti has made 236 appearances for the club in the six years since his arrival. He has 107 goals and 27 assists for a total of 107 points. He has also made 39 appearances for the national team.
Belotti drew a lot of attention this summer during UEFA Euro 2020, displaying his abilities as an orthodox striker. Despite facing stiff competition for the striker position, Belotti was impressed by his limited playing time.
He has been linked to a number of clubs and would undoubtedly be a valuable addition to the Barcelona squad. Belotti, who is currently 27 years old, brings a wealth of experience and appears to be nearing the end of his career.
Number 4: Dusan Vlahovic
Dusan Vlahovic has made a lot of headlines in the last year and a half.
Vlahovic joined Fiorentina in 2018 and has appeared in 97 games for the club since then. With his outstanding performances this season, the Serbian striker has taken Serie A by storm. He even competed for the Golden Boot with Cristiano Ronaldo, scoring 21 goals in 37 appearances.
Many top clubs have expressed interest in signing Vlahovic, including Arsenal, which has recently made an inquiry. His goal-scoring abilities would undoubtedly benefit the Barcelona team.
Number 3: Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial is another player who would benefit greatly from a January move.
Since the club signed Cristiano Ronaldo, the Frenchman has fallen out of favor at Manchester United. Given the talent of players such as Mason Greenwood, Edinson Cavani, and Cristiano Ronaldo, competition for a starting spot in attack is fierce right now.
Martial previously had some success with Manchester United. He previously won the FA Cup and the UEFA Europa League with the Red Devils. However, his professional development appears to be at a halt.
Martial appears to be in need of a change. He would benefit greatly from a transfer to a different club where he would get more playing time. The striker is unquestionably a candidate for Barcelona.
Number 2: Dani Olmo
Dani Olmo has been in incredible shape over the last year.
The Spaniard plays for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga and has also performed admirably for Spain’s national team. He has capitalized on his opportunity to shine and has wowed football fans all over the world.
Olmo is a very versatile offensive player. He can play as an attacking midfielder as well as on either wing. Olmo is one of the league’s fastest players and can also deliver lethal crosses.
His track record for Leipzig is commendable. Since joining the club in January 2020, he has scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists. Olmo also had a strong showing at UEFA Euro 2020, making five appearances and providing three assists.
Olmo is a product of FC Barcelona’s youth system and appears to fit the club well. He is still only 23, has a long way to go in his career. Xavi and Barcelona could greatly benefit from his abilities.
Number 1: Alexandre Lacazette
Alexandre Lacazette appears to be on his way out of Arsenal this season.
The Frenchman has been with the north London club for four years and has seen his share of success. He won the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2019 and has been a regular in the Gunners’ attack.
Lacazette is widely regarded as a world-class striker. He excels at establishing team play while dropping back and has a commendable work rate. His managers have described him as a hardworking footballer who is more than capable of being lethal in attack.
Barcelona is reportedly considering a low-cost move for Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette in January 1:52 AM 25 September 2021 23 2
Lacazette has 68 goals and 29 assists in 178 appearances for the club and is undoubtedly a powerful figure in the dressing room. It appears that his time at Arsenal is drawing to a close, and a move to Barcelona could be on the cards.
Barcelona has already been linked with Lacazette, and reports suggest that the French striker is still available in today’s market. With the Barcelona attack lacking in experience, Lacazette could be the player needed to shore up the front line.
