The loss of Neymar Jr has not been a problem for Ernesto Valverde’s Barcelona, who are well on their way to the La Liga title. The Spanish giants are also among the favourites to lift the UCL title but the manager is already planning for life next season and is scouting for some of the finest names in Europe.
One player they are extensively linked with is Roma star Cengiz Under.
A product of the academy at Altinordu, the 20-year old moved to Italy just last summer after he was linked with the biggest clubs in Europe. He has turned into a vital part of the squad under Di Francesco and is already linked with an exit.
Barcelona have recently been credited with an extensive interest in the player but the Italian outfit are not ready to sell any of their star players this summer, insists president James Pallotta. Speaking to the media recently, he said, “There’s a frustration on my part that people go ‘Oh, Roma’s a supermarket,'”
“We’re not trying to just sell players. We’ve tied Under down on a five-year contract, and the situation’s similar with Alisson,” he added.
This will come as a huge blow for Barcelona, who are convinced that the Turkish international is a perfect fit for the plan at Camp Nou. At just 20, Under has already made 8 international appearances and has picked up five goals and an assist in just 12 Serie A starts. But can Barca find a replacement?
A natural goal scorer, who can add width to the attack, Under is an able dribble and his crossing has been right up there with the best in Italy this season. He is a plan for the future for Barcelona but Valverde is desperate to start coaching him nice and early. So it will not be a surprise if the Catalan giants are willing to spend big money on the youngster this summer.
At the moment, Ousmane Dembele is the only player who can be termed as a winger in the first team for the La Liga leaders and though the French ace is right up there with the best, he will certainly need a backup and Under is as good an option as any.
Roma’s FFP problems may yet force them to sell but if they do not, all is not lost for Barcelona. At just 20, Under is a raw talent, and is destined to be one of the best in his position. So Valverde can always come back a year later, giving him more time to flourish in a system that he is already accustomed to.
Signing him now and leaving him on loan in Italy is also an option, only if Roma are willing to do so at the moment, Barcelona are better off looking elsewhere for a readymade option, giving Under his own time to develop.
