At a glance
- FC Barcelona’s stance: Faced with uncertainty surrounding financial fair-play and an inability to spend heavily on multiple positions, the club is exploring low-cost options.
- The options in question: Barcelona has shown early interest in Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani and Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup.
- The players’ position: Both players are open to a potential move to the Catalan club, describing it as a “dream move” for the youngsters.
As the summer transfer window draws closer, FC Barcelona are stepping up their pursuit of strengthening the first team squad with a particular focus on a new striker, left-winger, and centre-back.
The club is already moving for Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni, having initiated contact with his agents and confirming strong interest in the Italian.
However, President Joan Laporta and Co. are also exploring the market in other positions. With Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez being an unlikely signing due to the finances involved in making a deal happen, Barça may activate ‘Plan-B’, which consists of other forwards that Deco has been keeping an eye on.
Among the attacking positions, the club would also ‘ideally’ like to bring in a left-winger as there is growing doubt over the future of loanee Marcus Rashford amid him having a chance to impress in Raphinha’s injured absence.
FC Barcelona scouts are watching Andreas Schjelderup
Regarding other potential wingers then, club scout Joao Amaral has been taking notes of Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup for some time now.
As O Jogo reports, an FC Barcelona representative travelled to Arouca earlier in March to see the highly-rated youngster in action.
“We’re carefully monitoring his development. His potential is undeniable, and our reports are very positive”, Blaugrana scouts say.
Although he isn’t yet confirmed to be a genuine target, as the club still works around a way to keep Marcus Rashford, it is also too early to cross Schjelderup’s name out.
The Norwegian has a release clause of €100m and is represented by agent Rafael Pimenta, who maintains an excellent relationship with president Joan Laporta.
Although there have been rumours about Benfica being open to letting him go, it’s unclear how much it would take to lure the winger to the Spotify Camp Nou.
Fisnki Asllani: A Plan B alternative to Julian Alvarez?
Although FC Barcelona are interested in Robert Lewandowski’s contract for another year, they’d like to sign a new, younger striker who can play on a regular basis in the first XI, while having the Polish veteran as a second-choice option.
Joan Laporta is dreaming of Alvarez, but maintains they won’t “break the bank” for him or enter any kind of bidding war for the Argentine rated as high as €200 million.
Due to the financial constraints involved, the club has been keeping an eye on potential “Plan-B” options. Those include Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani, who has 17 goal contributions across all club competitions this season.
As reported by Sky Sports Germany, he’s considered to be a low-cost option for Barça if they decide to make a lower investment in the striker position and they’re said to be “informed” about his situation in Germany.
Should Joan Laporta and Deco go for Asllani, reaching an agreement on personal terms will not be an issue, as the player is “keen” on a move to the Catalans if any opportunity arises.
With a price tag close to €30 million, it’s clear he can be a great market opportunity, something that the club always keeps an eye on throughout a window.
No major movements yet
Despite harbouring interest in both players (Asllani and Schjelderup) FC Barcelona are yet to take major steps towards securing their signatures.
All efforts are currently being put into Alessandro Bastoni, while still trying to understand the feasibility of the Julian Alvarez operation.
The club is clear it’d like to bring in both Bastoni and Alvarez, but it might ultimately be forced to choose one of them.
It’s not yet known who the priority is, but it’s evident Barça are already moving strong on either man.
