Alexis Sanchez (R) warms up prior to the Champions League match between Barcelona and Inter Milan at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, on October 2, 2019. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP) (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)
For Barcelona, offloading Luuk de Jong is the priority
Barcelona recognize they need reinforcements during the winter transfer window — especially in the forward line. However, the obstacle, which always seems to be in the way, is the fact they don’t have the funds to simply go out and get a player.
Therefore, loan or swap deals is the best they can hope for. In addition, they need to get rid of some of a couple players to make room in the squad and stay within the wage bill limit imposed by La Liga.
The Catalans might have found a way to kill two birds with one stone, which would see a familiar face returning to the Camp Nou.
According to Sport, Barcelona are working on a swap deal with Inter Milan that would see Luuk de Jong head to Italy with Alexis Sanchez heading the other way. The talks are reportedly in an advanced stage with manager Xavi Hernandez having the final say.
De Jong was signed from Sevilla on a loan and was a player wanted by former manager Ronald Koeman. Since his arrival, the Dutch striker has only scored one goal and has played very little under Xavi. In other words, the writing is on the wall.
He is almost a certainty to leave once the transfer window opens. In addition to Inter, Fenerbahçe is also reportedly interested in him.
Sanchez’s sting with Barcelona, under Pep Guardiola and Tata Martino, had its ups and downs. He was inconsistent at times and ended up relegated to the bench his final two seasons. He left at the end of the 2014 season and joined Arsenal where he excelled.
He then went to Manchester United, where he struggled, before landing at Inter. He’s seen his playing time reduced and would not be opposed to a move.
The club is desperate to offload De Jong and with Sevilla not counting on him either, they know he has very few potential suitors. The question then becomes whether or not they are desperate enough to take on Sanchez’s wages.
On paper, the swap deal looks rather interesting and appealing for Barcelona. Given Alexis soon to be 33, his age may prove a hinderance. The last thing they want is for him to take up a spot on the roster that could be better filled by someone else.
