Barcelona will need to splash €80m to sign Viktor Gyokeres alternative next summer: Reports
Barcelona will have to break the bank to sign Jonathan David next summer, according to SPORT. The Catalans are on the hunt for a new striker to eventually replace Robert Lewandowski at the club.
The Polish striker is on fire this season, scoring 19 goals from 17 games already. However, he will turn 37 next August and the LaLiga giants are eager to rope in an able successor.
Barcelona would ideally like to sign Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has 24 goals from 19 games this season. However, the Swede is likely to cost a fortune, while Ruben Amorim's presence at Manchester United could make them the favorites in the race.
The Catalans have identified David as an alternative to Gyokeres. The Canandian striker has entered the final year of his contract with Lille and hasn't signed a new deal yet.
David is a wanted man across Europe thanks to his impressive form with the Ligue 1 club. The 24-year-old has plundered in 13 goals from 19 games across competitions this season.
The LaLiga giants are pleased with his efforts and see him as an ideal fit to their plans. Barcelona are already working to secure his services on a Bosman move at the end of this season.
However, David is reportedly asking for a four-year contract with a massive signing on bonus as well as agent fees. The entire deal is likely to cost around €80m, which, given the Catalans' poor finances, is likely to be a dealbreaker.
The Canadian has previously revealed that he dreams of playing at Camp Nou. While a move to Barcelona may not materialize on his current demands, he will not be short of options next summer either.
Will Barcelona sign a new defender in 2025?
Barcelona have conceded just 12 goals in 13 games in LaLiga this season. Pau Cubarsi has forged a stellar partnership with Inigi Martinez at the heart of the backline that has worked wonders for Hansi Flick.
However, with Ronaldo Araujo and Andreas Christensen linked with exits ahead of 2025, the Catalans could be tempted to bring in a new defender. Meanwhile, Inigo Martinez is also on the wrong side of 30 and his contract is due to expire at the end of this season.
Recent reports have suggested that the LaLiga giants have identified Jonathan Tah as the ideal candidate for the job. The German's contract with Bayer Leverkusen expires next summer and he has announced that he will leave.
