Barcelona’s pursuit of Neymar has remained as one the most talked-about transfer sagas in the ongoing summer transfer window. As we reach the final phase of the window, the Catalans are still keen on re-signing the Brazilian. But, they are continually being put off by Paris Saint-Germain’s hefty valuation for their star player.
However, perhaps Barcelona don’t need to sign Neymar at all if they can focus on the development of two academy stars in Ansu Fati and Carles Perez.
Ansu Fati: The next big thing in football
Fati became the second-youngest footballer to represent FC Barcelona when he made a substitute appearance in the win over Real Betis. With Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi out, the youngster received an opportunity to make a late impact. He was aged 16 years and 298 days.
Fati currently plays for the Barcelona Under-19 team, despite being three years younger than most of his teammates. He does, however, boast a lot of composure and his maturity is well beyond his years. The 16-year-old is aware of his surroundings and is blessed with speed and dynamism that could help him become an icon at Catalonia.
Barcelona have already signed Antoine Griezmann, who can be used in a central role, as an alternative for Suarez. Fati, in that regard, can easily be thrown into the mix. Although he is not exactly a centre-forward, his goalscoring ability, coupled with his explosive nature means he can be slowly integrated to the first-team.
Carles Perez: A star in the making?
Perez finally got the opportunity he was looking for when he started against Real Betis on the weekend. It was his third appearance for the Blaugrana, and the Spaniard didn’t disappoint either, notably scoring the third goal. He also linked up quite well with Griezmann and had a part to play in Arturo Vidal’s goal. This was a performance which showcased Perez’s true talent and suggested that he might be ready to take on the mantle of top-flight football.
A right-winger by trade, Perez’s work-ethic and enthusiasm, coupled with his technical prowess are qualities that could make him a tailor-made fit for Barcelona. He can also score goals, and at the age of 21, he has time on his side.
Can these two replace Neymar?
There is no doubt that both Perez and Fati are blessed with incredible talent. They have already shown it in the youth leagues, and if Ernesto Valverde manages to integrate them properly into the first team, they might be able to offer the kind of productivity Barcelona have lacked following the departure of Neymar.
But, the current crop of attackers in the Ousmane Dembele, Griezmann, Suarez and even Messi must perform well this season as their failures would force the club to re-sign the Brazilian.
