Barcelona readying swap deal offer for in-form Sporting CP star, set to include €30m rated star in deal: Reports
Barcelona are reportedly ready to make a swap deal offer for in-form Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres. They are looking to insert unwanted talent Vitor Roque, who they value at €30 million, in the deal.
The Blaugrana's interest in Gyokeres is quite understandable. The 26-year-old Swedish striker is one of the most in-form players in European football. He has already scored 16 goals in just 10 Liga Portugal games and two goals in three UEFA Champions League games. His total tally for the season comes to 20 goals and four assists in just 16 games, and the season isn't halfway through yet.
Barcelona currently have Robert Lewandowski as their main striker. The Polish marksman has scored 17 goals and two assists in 14 games across competitions this season, and his form has not dipped. However, with Lewandowski now 36 years old, the Blaugrana have to look to make a replacement signing for the future.
They had signed Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense in January 2024, but the 19-year-old did not meet expectations, eventually going on loan to Real Betis. He has scored just four goals in 11 games this season, and it looks unlikely that he will break into the Blaugrana first team moving forward.
They notably signed the young striker for €30 million from Athletico Paranaense in July 2023, and they are hoping to get some value for their money. According to SPORT (via Barca Universal), Barcelona may need to spend €60-€70 million to sign Gyokeres. However, they could offset this amount somewhat by adding Roque to the deal.
The Blaugrana are expected to make their move for Gyokeres in the summer of 2025. However, they will need to be wary of interest from other clubs, all of whom can see how impressive he has been this season.
Lothar Mathaus explains why Barcelona are successful under Hansi Flick
Germany legend Lothar Mathaus has opened up on why Barcelona have been successful under new manager Hansi Flick. The German tactician took over the helm at the Catalan giants in the summer and has since led the club to an impressive season so far.
They have won 13 out of 15 games, and they look on course to win La Liga this season. It's a stark difference from his time in charge of German national team when they won only 12 games from 25.
Lothar Mathaus has shared why Flick has worked wonders with the club, compared to his time at the helm of the Germany. He told Bild (via Barca Blaugranes):
“It is very important for Hansi to have daily contact with the players. This allows him to build trust in daily conversations... Hansi goes into great detail, he attaches great importance to nuances. With the national team, when you have one or two games every six weeks, that doesn’t work."
Mathaus also revealed that the politics of the German national team did not make things easy. At Barcelona, the legend explained that Flick also has a leader in Robert Lewandowski, who other young players look up to.