The current profiles that FC Barcelona wish to pursue are all of a different kind. Their expectations from potential recruits in different positions will be completely different from one another. Naturally, the pivot that Barcelona pursues would be quite unique in nature compared to the kind of wide forward they would wish to bring in.
However, that is also the reason as to why it is so difficult to meet those demands that they have set for themselves. To acquire someone with the explosiveness of a top-level winger is already difficult to scout, and players that are already proven tend to be expensive enough for Barcelona to be left completely helpless as they look at the price tag.
Nico Williams, for instance, is a player who Barcelona wish to pursue. However, the Athletic Club winger will undoubtedly be costly, and while he may not make the Catalan giants break any world records with the price that is demanded for him, he is still too expensive given their financial predicament.
That is where alternatives have to be assessed. According to SPORT, the latest name to possibly have joined that list is Ademola Lookman. Currently a player and forward for Italian side Atalanta, his latest performance seems to have grabbed the entire world’s attention, Barcelona included.
Both Barcelona director Deco and a trusted member of the club, Bojan Krkic, were present for the recent UEFA Europa League final between Atalanta and the unbeaten German champions, Bayer Leverkusen, led by former Real Madrid player Xabi Alonso as their head coach.
Most expected an intense affair between the two finalists, but what ultimately came forth was a slaughter. Not just because of the 3-0 scoreline by which Atalanta ended up eventually winning, but even by the sheer dominance of the Italian team in the final.
The figures from Barcelona present at the Aviva Stadium alongside the many eyes that gazed upon this final, however, were left amazed by the 26-year-old Nigerian forward by the name of Lookman. Through his goals in the 12th, 26th, and 76th minutes, the forward completed a wondrous hattrick filled with three goals created from footballing magic.
With a contract in place until 2026 with Atalanta, there is not too much time left in his stay unless he renews. Moreover, his current valuation sits at €30 million, and through negotiation, it could potentially be kept at a minimal price range, even for Barcelona.
However, nothing concrete has taken place thus far, but no player can score a hattrick in a European final and not expect to be courted by some of the continent’s finest.
