Barcelona’s Munir El Haddadi has been deemed surplus to requirements after a season away on loan to Valencia. The 21-year-old had joined Atletico Madrid’s youth team as a teenager and despite a strong goal-scoring record, scoring 32 goals in 29 matches was let go of. It wasn’t all bad though, as the player went on to be absorbed by Barcelona.
His rise to the top was surprisingly quick, being called up to the first team in record quick time and had a dream debut alongside Lionel Messi in a league game against Elche. He put a ring on his debut by bagging the 2nd goal of the game in a 3-0 victory.
The goal would carve out a name for the young Spaniard in Barcelona history books, becoming the Catalan side’s 3rd youngest goalscorer after Bojan Krkic and Leo Messi.
The forward is known to be skilful on the ball with loads of tricks up his sleeve. A prolific scorer, his finishing and speed are qualities that make him a major threat in the 18-yard box.
Despite having been quite impressive for Barcelona youth sides and for Valencia on his season-long loan, where he went on to score eight goals in 39 appearances, the 21-year-old has been transfer-listed.
Valencia chose not to make the loan deal permanent despite having an option to buy the player for £10.4m according to a clause in the loan deal.
If Mundo Deportivo reports are to be believed, the player has attracted interest from Premier League outfit, Everton. The Merseyside club have already been exceptionally busy in the ongoing transfer window and are looking to supplant Romelu Lukaku, who seems to be Manchester United bound.
Other Premier League outfits, viz. Southampton and Crystal Palace have also shown an interest in the player. West Ham United, also looking to bring in a striker with Andy Carroll seemingly on the way out, may be heading the chase for Haddadi among Premier League clubs.
Eredivisie side Ajax have reportedly inquired after the player, deemed surplus to Ernesto Valverde’s plans. The Dutch side had shown interest in the striker last season as well before Haddadi chose to go on loan to Valencia.
And if recent reports are to be believed, Zenit St Petersburg are close to signing the forward from Barcelona. With Zenit coach Roberto Mancini reportedly intent on the player, the Russian side have agreed to match Barcelona’s 20-million Euro valuation of the player.
It remains to be seen which club Haddadi chooses to go to among an array of suitors.
