According to El Nacional, Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has told president Joan Laporta not to make moves for Erling Haaland or Viktor Gyökeres. The Pole conveyed his commitment to the team’s objectives to Laporta, affirming his readiness and capability to continue competing at the highest level.
Lewandowski has rolled back the years under Hansi Flick topping the goalscoring charts in LaLiga this season (14). He has scored 19 goals and provided two assists in 17 appearances across competitions.
Despite Lewandowski’s impressive goalscoring form, Barcelona’s board is considering bolstering the team’s attack and has reportedly identified Manchester City’s Haaland and Sporting CP’s Gyökeres.
Both players are shining at their respective clubs at the moment. Haaland is the top scorer in the Premier League this season (12), while Gyökeres leads the race for the Golden Boot in Liga Portugal with 16 goals.
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Haaland was the first to get on Barcelona’s transfer radar, as Joan Laporta considered him a big-name signing. Gyökeres has recently become a subject of interest in Barcelona. The Catalan club is considering the Swedish striker as an alternative to rejuvenate the squad due to his youth, versatility and goalscoring ability.
As per the abovementioned source, Laporta has turned his attention to other departments of the squad that need more urgent reinforcements, such as the defense or the midfield, after Lewandowski’s message.
Barcelona’s sporting director waters down a potential transfer for Viktor Gyökeres
While Barcelona seems to have appeared as one of Viktor Gyökeres’ suitors lately, sporting director Deco has downplayed a potential swoop for the Sporting CP forward. While Deco said that Gyökeres is a good player, he added the Swedish international is not a priority for the club at the moment and that they are not looking for a replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
Gyökeres’ numbers haven’t gone unnoticed and have caught the interest of several European heavyweights, particularly top Premier League clubs. However, Deco has dispelled a potential move for the player. He said (via Mirror):
“He is a good player. He has been scoring goals for a long time in Portugal. We know him like others but he is not a priority at the moment and we [are not] looking for a No. 9 to replace Lewandowski because we want him to remain happy, scoring goals and at least stay for another season. We have won things and he is happy to be here. We are not going to talk about any player now.”
According to Transfermarkt, Gyökeres’ market value is €70 million.
