Barcelona hierarchy transfer tug-of-war over Aguero as Garcia signs

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Sergio Aguero on Barcelona’s radar

As has been widely reported, Barcelona have hit the front of the pack chasing Sergio Aguero’s signature when his contract expires at Manchester City this summer.

Aguero, who has hit 182 Premier League goals across his 10 seasons in Manchester, sits fourth on the all-time Premier League goalscoring list, and is the highest-scoring non-English striker in Premier League history.

The Argentine striker is reportedly willing to take a pay cut to complete the switch to the Catalan club, where he would link up with fellow Argentine Lionel Messi and spearhead an attack that has lacked a focal point since the departure of Luis Suarez in the summer of 2020.

Barcelona hierarchy transfer tug-of war over Aguero as Garcia signs.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 12: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Manchester City v FC Schalke 04 at Etihad Stadium on March 12, 2019 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Koeman leaning towards Depay:

Despite the availability of Sergio Aguero, Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman is rumoured to favour signing fellow soon-to-be free agent Memphis Depay.

A Dutchman himself, Koeman has been looking to surround himself with compatriots, with Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum rumoured to be joining the club upon the end of his contract on Merseyside.

Depay has netted 19 goals and provided ten assists in his 35 appearances for Lyon this season, but there is question marks over his temperament and how he would fit in with the current squad from the Barcelona hierarchy, who are thought to prefer a move for Aguero.

Memphis Depay of Lyon celebrates his goal during UEFA Champions League Group G football match SL Benfica against Olympique Lyonnais, in Lisbon, on October 23, 2019. (Photo by Carlos Palma/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Moves hinge on Koeman’s future:

It is likely that the forward that Barcelona pursue is entirely dependent on whether Koeman remains in charge of the side. 101 have previously reported that his future may be in doubt amidst internal battles, whilst others have reported that:

“Sources have told ESPN how several directors feel Koeman’s style of play doesn’t fit with the club’s long-term goals and would dispense of him even if Barca end the season winning a domestic double.”

Were Koeman to stay in charge of the club, it is possible that Aguero is spurned by the Spanish giants in favour of the younger, and most importantly, Dutch, Memphis Depay. Were he to leave however, Aguero could once again be calling Spain his home.

Eric Garcia pens pre-contract:

Highly regarded centre-back Eric Garcia has also signed a pre-contract with the Catalan giants. Garcia, who made 33 appearances for Manchester City, had been holding out on contract talks for over a year with the plan to move to Barcelona, the club he joined City from, when his current deal expired in Manchester.

Garcia leaves the Citizens with four Carabao Cup trophies to his name and will likely add the Premier League to his collection when Manchester City are crowned champions at the end of the season.

Eric Garcia has signed his pre-contract until June 2026 with Barcelona since December. No other club has been in talks – Eric only wanted to join Barça, Laporta also approved the deal and it’s gonna be announced at the end of the season. ?? #FCB #MCFC https://t.co/DTuYHMK1nV

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 11, 2021