In a recent report, El Nacional stated that Barcelona are set to rival Real Madrid for Manchester United centre-forward Edinson Cavani. It is believed that the Catalans could launch a loan move to sign the Uruguayan talent when the transfer window commences in January.
Cavani’s Sporadic Role Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Stewardship
The veteran forward has failed to make himself a regular first-team starter at Old Trafford so far. The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo last summer has put the Uruguay international further down Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s pecking order.
The 34-year-old has participated in 43 matches for Man United thus far, netting 17 goals and provided six assists in the process. Most of the experienced forward’s game time came as a substitute which explains why he only averaged 1.3 shots and 0.5 key passes per 90 minutes in the 2020-21 Premier League season. Cavani even distributed the ball with conviction after making 77.4% of his attempted passes in the English top-flight (stats via whoscored).
The Man United striker is vastly experienced at the highest level, so he will be an exciting addition to the Catalan club’s squad even if it is on a loan deal in January. Barcelona are currently operating on a shoestring budget, so it makes sense for them to go all out for Cavani who might enjoy getting a chance to seal a move to the Nou Camp.
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Should Barca Move In For Edinson Cavani In January?
Cavani remains a composed finisher in the attacking end of the field. He has a knack for finding space inside the opponent’s penalty box but has lost a yard of pace from his game as father time is catching up with him. The Uruguay international can still be a consistent performer when he is playing regularly on the field. However, he won’t be a long-term fix to Barca‘s goal-scoring problems at the Nou Camp.
We can expect Cavani to strike up a lethal attacking partnership with Memphis Depay in the second half of this campaign that might help the Catalan club maintain their push for a top-four spot in La Liga next year.
All in all, it makes sense for Barca to move in for Cavani in January as he will be an excellent, short-term acquisition for them. Plus, the Catalans have the luxury to offer him regular playing time which makes them a good fit for the player at this stage of his playing career.
