According to a recent report by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are plotting a surprise move to secure the signature of Tottenham Hotspur forward Fernando Llorente during this January transfer period.
The same report has revealed that the Catalans manager Ernesto Valverde is a massive fan of the Spaniard’s talents after working with him during their time together at Athletic Bilbao.
Mundo Deportivo has also claimed that Spurs are likely to accept a cut-price fee for the striker this month so that they can recoup some funds rather than letting him go for free when his contract runs out at the end of this campaign. Llorente has found first-team opportunities hard to come by under Mauricio Pochettino this season so a move to the Nou Camp might be too appealing for the forward to turn down.
The Spanish forward has made 13 appearances for Spurs this term, registering four goals while providing one assist across multiple competitions. However, he could get some opportunities in the next few weeks after Harry Kane sustained an ankle injury in Spurs’ narrow 1-0 loss against Manchester United last weekend.
The Spaniard is a dominant centre-forward who has a habit of scoring important goals when he gets good service in front of the opposition goal. Standing at 6ft 3inchs, the ex-Swansea City star is one of the tallest frontmen in European football. His big frame helps him leap over opposing defenders to either set up his teammates inside the opposition penalty box or score using his head. Pochettino has often asked him to come off the bench as a ‘Plan B’ option if things are not going Tottenham’s way during a match.
The departure of Llorente will leave Spurs short in numbers up top so they cannot afford to let him go without bringing in a suitable replacement. Kane’s recent injury has highlighted the fact that Tottenham needs some fresh faces up top so when Harry Kane is unavailable; they won’t have too much problem coping with the English forward’s absence.
Hence, Pochettino should do everything in his power to retain Llorente’s services until the end of this campaign. Otherwise, he should sell the forward soon and use the incoming money to bring in a suitable replacement before the transfer window closes later this month.
