FC Barcelona continues to search for a forward to strengthen their squad, but the sports management is clear that they won't make economic follies. Deco ruled out the great possibility of being able to pay 50M euros for a striker, leaving the way open for clubs like Aston Villa and West Ham. One of the names that was on the blaugrana agenda was Samu Omorodion, but his high cost distances him from Camp Nou.
The striker, currently at Porto, still maintains a link with Atlético de Madrid, which retains part of his rights. The Colchonero club sold 65% of the player's pass to the Portuguese team for 15M euros. Atlético established a clause that allows the Portuguese to acquire an additional 15% this season and another 15% next season if they disburse an additional 10M euros.
Atlético de Madrid would ensure they maintain a 20% of Omorodion's future sale, as long as Porto buys that remaining 30%. Barça have explored alternative formulas to lower his signing cost, with players and percentages. The idea of the blaugrana sports management is to include the Frenchman Clément Lenglet in the operation and convince Atlético de Madrid to close a more accessible deal.
Lenglet Doesn't Count for Flick
Lenglet is not in Hansi Flick's plans and is currently on loan at the Colchonero club, so his definitive departure is a priority for the Catalan club. The situation is not simple, although FC Barcelona is willing to negotiate with Atlético, the final decision also depends on Porto. The Portuguese have the option to acquire a greater percentage of the player's rights.
If the Portuguese execute the purchase clause, any move by Barça would be in the hands of the Blanquiazul team. Porto could choose to resell him to the highest bidder or retain him as a future investment. Meanwhile, Aston Villa and West Ham remain very alert to the situation of the international center forward with Spain.
The Premier Distances Him from Barça
Both would be willing to put an offer close to 50M euros on the table, a figure that Barça is not willing to match under any circumstances. The Premier League presents itself as the most likely destination for Omorodion if Porto decides to cash in. The blaugrana team continues to work on the incorporation of a forward, but always under the economic parameters dictated by their difficult financial situation.
Deco is clear that he won't commit excesses and that any operation must adhere to the club's salary limits. In this scenario, the option of Omorodion becomes complicated, and Barça might be forced to explore other alternatives in the market. A replacement for Robert Lewandowski is Barcelona's absolute priority for next summer.