Following Sergio Aguero’s surprising retirement, Barcelona is allegedly preparing a contract offer for out-of-favour Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani.
The Daily Mail reports that the Catalan giants are planning a January deal for the Uruguay international, who has been a part-time player at Old Trafford this season.
Last summer, Cavani was on the verge of leaving Manchester United, with Boca Juniors apparently reaching an agreement with the player’s father on his son’s transfer to Argentina. The transfer, however, fell through at the eleventh hour. The 34-year-old was persuaded to stay in Manchester for another season by the Red Devils.
United hoped that Cavani’s expertise and deadly finishing would help them mount a Premier League title bid, but it proved to be the exact reverse. With the signings of Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer at Paris Saint-Germain has fallen down the pecking order.
Must Read: Fabrizio Romano provides an update on Cavani’s future at Old Trafford
Several injury setbacks have limited the striker to just five Premier League appearances this season, in addition to stiff competition for slots at the Theatre of Dreams.
Cavani has only made two Premier League starts this season, and he has not been named to Man United’s starting lineup in any of their six Champions League group stage matches. The ex-Napoli striker may submit a transfer request in the January transfer window, with Barcelona apparently waiting in the wings.
Cavani would be hesitant to turn down the chance to join Barcelona, especially as he would be able to play regular first-team games under new manager Xavi Hernandez. Barcelona has had a nightmare season so far, sliding out of the Champions League group stages for the first time in 21 years as they continue to struggle in the aftermath of Lionel Messi’s departure.
Unfortunately for Xavi, things aren’t looking good at home, with Barcelona now sitting in eighth place in La Liga, a massive 18 points behind league leaders Real Madrid.
As if that wasn’t enough, former Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero recently announced his early retirement after being diagnosed with heart arrhythmia.
So Barca will be under pressure to sign a new striker this winter to fill the vacancy, and Cavani may be the ideal short-term option.
