Here is the role Barça's potential new 'no.9' would need to fulfil
There are limited options available with Ángel, Lucas Pérez, Loren Moron and Willian José being the frontrunners
As FC Barcelona awaits LaLiga's official 'OK' over whether they can sign a new player to replacement the long-term absence of Ousmane Dembele, the club are searching for available options on the market. The scouting pool is limited as it can only be a player currently registered in Spain and then you need to find a club willing to part with a player they themselves will be unable to replace. Barça's desperation to sign a new forward also means that selling clubs can demand a higher premium than usual.
THREE GUYS WHO COULD COMPLETE A DREAM MOVE
There are three names which stand out from the could and none of them are likely to get the Camp Nou overly excited. However the job is to plug the gap until May rather than sign a long term replacement for Luis Suarez. The shortlist includes Angel (32, Getafe), Willian Jose (28, Real Sociedad) and Lucas Perez (31, Alaves). One of those are going to get a move they never dreamed would happen. Whichever one is chosen, they'll need to accept their role this season is going to be largely secondary.
Any new signing would also be unavailable to compete in the Champions League as the registration for the second phase of the competition has already closed. The only thing required of the new forward would be to allow the main three - Leo, Ansu and Griezmann - to rest every now and again. With Real Madrid going strong in LaLiga, it's vitally important Barça avoid any more injuries to key players.
THREE DIFFERENT PROFILES FOR THE SAME ROLE
Whether Barça chooses a target man and goalscorer like Willian Jose, or a forward who prefers to drift out wide like Lucas Perez or someone who feeds on scraps in the penalty area like Angel, it's going to be tough to dislodge the first-choice forward line.
Any new arrival has to be aware that, bar an outstanding goal return and adaptation to life at Barça, they are likely to be on the move again in the summer. It's no secret that a long term replacement for Suarez must be found sooner rather than later. Lautaro Martinez is the early frontrunner. Aside from Willian Jose, punished after trying to force a move to Tottenham Hotspur, the other two are key members of their respective teams. They would be sacrificing a lot of game time to play backup at Barça.
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