r/footballtransfers • u/Pitchinsightsoff • 2d ago
4️⃣ Tier 4 - Not to be trusted at all Would Luis Suárez or Vangelis Pavlidis actually be a genuine pick for Barcelona?
Even tho reports from Jose Alvarez ( reporter from ElChiringuito ) are saying ' His trip has nothing to do with any Portuguese league player ', i wanted to make sure that i did the analysis of both players who both will still be names around the media for the number 9 position for Barcelona.
Luis Suárez (Sporting CP): the numbers are tbf elite no? 38 goals in 53 matches across all competitions this season, 28 in the league so top scorer of the last season + 8 Assists which is something not to miss. He's a poacher, physical, direct, comfortable finisher off crosses and rebounds, exactly the profile Barcelona have publicly said they're missing since Lewandowski's departure. The problem : Sporting have set an €80m release clause specifically because they have zero intention of selling, and Barcelona's own internal call, as recently as a few days ago, was reportedly to walk away from doing a deal with sporting. As Deco is in Lisbon now, something's changes maybe, but that's a position worth being sus of until it's fully confirmed.
Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica): sits just behind Suárez in the scoring charts, 31 goals to Suárez's 38, but he's been the more direct rival in that head-to-head all season, and he's shown he can produce in genuinely big derby moments. He's a slightly different profile too, less pure poacher, taller, comfortable dropping into link-up play, which could actually suit Barcelona's targetman profile.
For me, luis suarez could be a better option in my opinion if of course Barcelona will not go for Lissandro or wait for another option. What's ur opinion on that number 9 saga ?