Lautaro Martinez to end Barcelona's long search for a new No.9
The club have been trying to find a complement or replacement for Suarez for years
Barcelona have spent years looking for a striker to complement Luis Suarez but the search continues without luck. The Uruguayan is a proven goalscorer, he dominates the area, is a native competitor and a headache for defenders.
For that reason, it's been a "problem" trying to find someone that can either complement him or become his long-term replacement. So far, players like Antoine Griezmann and Paco Alcacer have been tried.
Former Valencia striker Alcacer was a box player. He was instinctive and a born finisher. But he joined Barça when they had the three best attackers in their history and was given limited opportunities.
Eight goals and four assists in the 16/17 season (just 15 starts) and seven goals and four assists in his second season were deemed insufficient and he left for Borussia Dortmund.
Barça tried for Antoine Griezmann in the summer of 2018 but he decided to stay at Atletico Madrid. But in 2019 they managed to sign him for his 120 million euro release clause.
But he's struggled to adapt. His sacrifice is undeniable -- he's working incredibly hard -- but he's not hit it off with his teammates on the pitch and there's not an abundance of patience at Camp Nou. There's faith that he can kick on, though.
But that has not stopped the club eyeing Lautaro Martinez to close their search for a No.9 once for all and really prove that there can be life after Suarez.
The Inter striker is instinctive and has character and wants to join compatriot Messi at Barça. There are still many unknowns in an uncertain market during delicate economic times, but things are on track.
