According to Radio Galicia (via Mundo Deportivo), Barcelona’s €25 million bid for Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez has been rejected by the club. The Spanish giants are keen to sign a new attacker to provide competition for Luis Suarez next season, with Gomez being identified as one of the top targets.
However, the source claims that Celta Vigo are not willing to sell the Uruguayan for less than €40 million. This is primarily because 20% of Gomez’s resale value will go to his former club, Defensor. As a result, they opted to reject Barcelona’s €25 million bid for their star striker.
Should Barcelona persist their interest in Gomez?
Barcelona’s excellent domestic campaign has been blighted by their catastrophic UEFA Champions League exit at the hands of Liverpool. Fans and experts alike, are questioning their lack of audacity in the attack. As a result, the Catalans are keen to reinforce their offensive department this summer.
And it looks like manager Ernesto Valverde is eager to provide more competition to Suarez by adding another forward to his attacking unit. It makes sense as well given the fact that the Uruguayan international is nearing the final phase of his career. Hence, Gomez could potentially serve as not only a back-up but also a potential long-term replacement for his compatriot.
Both the players are equipped with a similar set of skill sets as well, especially when it comes to relying on physicality and movements to carve out spaces in the final third. Indeed, Gomez is exceptional in his hold-up play, which allows his teammates much more freedom in attack. And this could certainly benefit the likes of Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann, who is reportedly edging closer to joining Barcelona in the summer.
Moreover, the 22-year-old is a fearless attacker. He is not intimidated by the imposing presence of physically astute defenders. This is indicated by the fact that Gomez has been involved in nearly eight aerial duels per game – a tally bettered by only four players in the league this season (at least 2,000 minutes played).
Also, 13 of his 30 goals in La Liga over the past couple of seasons have come from his head, which is quite exceptional. He has also improved in the technical aspect of the game, with the forward completing 31 key passes in the league this season. This is significantly better than last season’s tally of just 22.
Therefore, it would perhaps be wiser for Barcelona to persist with their interest in Gomez this summer. The Celta Vigo forward can offer the much-needed physical presence, coupled with his aggression and aerial prowess, thus adding another dimension to the Catalan attack. And at the age of 22, he can potentially be groomed into a long-term replacement for talismanic striker Suarez.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
