FC Barcelona acknowledges the mid to long-term need to strengthen its attacking front by acquiring a center forward. Currently, beyond a veteran like Robert Lewandowski, whose contract with the team is nearing its end, they only have Pau Víctor in that position. Therefore, it is imperative to add more depth to the squad in that area.
The main candidates to address this issue could be either of the Nordic duo standing out in the 2024/25 season, Erling Haaland from Manchester City or Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon. However, these options, while tempting, pose a significant obstacle: their high economic cost. Therefore, the sports management of Barça is exploring more affordable and lesser-known alternatives to add quality to the Barcelona roster.
The 'dark horse' that FC Barcelona could have to strengthen its forward line
Here is where an unexpected name emerges, now linked with FC Barcelona: Jhon Jader Durán, a 20-year-old forward who is currently one of the great revelations of the Premier League. Why? The Colombian has scored four goals in his first five matches with Aston Villa, placing third in the race for the league's 'Pichichi', behind only Luis Díaz (5) and Erling Haaland (10).
What's extraordinary about this is that Jhon Durán has achieved these numbers without being a starter for Unai Emery's team, accumulating only 131 minutes of play in the local league. His notable goal-scoring average of a goal every 33 minutes makes him an attractive prospect for top European clubs, including Barça, which, as reported on 'El Nacional.cat', has reportedly initiated discussions through Deco to explore a potential negotiation.
Will Barça soon launch an offensive to sign the Colombian?
It is also mentioned that FC Barcelona's approach is surprising, given that the Catalan team did not appear to be actively seeking a striker at that time. Therefore, this action suggests a genuine interest on the part of the Portuguese executive to consider a young, talented, and potentially valuable player as a viable alternative.
However, a possible obstacle could be Aston Villa's desire to retain the Colombian, who is under contract until 2028. Ultimately, the price of his departure and the English club's willingness to negotiate will be determining factors in any potential transfer.