Memphis vs. Lautaro: Barcelona's search for a No9 drags on

Memphis vs. Lautaro: Barcelona's search for a No9 drags on

Dos golazos para alcanzar la final: el doblete de Lautaro ante el Shakhtar / | MEDIAPRO

Barça are keen to sign a striker to replace Suarez when he leaves

Barcelona have still not managed to move on many players but given the transfer window closes on Oct. 5 they have to press ahead with moves for the pieces Ronald Koeman has requested for his project. 

While a move for Gini Wijnaldum seemed done, as the days pass and Thiago remains a Bayern player, Liverpool continue to resist selling the Dutch midfielder. His reasonable price (only a year to go on his contract) and the fact he's well known by Koeman make him on of the priorities, but it's on standby at the moment. 

Therefore, a replacement for Luis Suarez (whose own future is yet to be sorted) is the main goal right now. If he leaves, Barça are left with no classic No9. Ansu Fati or Griezmann can play there, or Lionel Messi, but Koeman wants another attacker. Long-term target Lautaro Martinez and Memphis Depay are two of the candidates. 

PROS & CONS 

Looking at Martinez and Memphis' performances from last season, both have positives and negatives. What is beyond doubt is that they're both at the top level and could add a lot to Koeman's project -- in their own way. Starting with Memphis, he's a player with a lot of character. He's powerful and has a great shot. He can also play across the three positions in attack. 

Memphis is not an obvious No9 (1.76m) but he does have the attributes ti play there. He can hold the ball up well with his back to goal and can create danger and link play well. 

Pie de foto | AUTOR FOTO

LAUTARO THE FAVE  

But if there's one that Barça really and is seen as a star player for the club's future it's Martinez. He's not top-level prolific yet (21 goals in 49 games last season) but he links play really well and appears at the big moments (although those that saw him in the Europa League final against Sevilla may not share that view). He has an innate talent, can play alongside a No9 (as he does at Inter with Lukaku) or in that role himself. 

Some feel he lacks aspects of his game to be considered among the best forwards in the world, but accepting the challenge and the pressure at Barcelona would oblige him to take the next step. He has a good relationship with Messi, his Argentina teammate, which would help his integration.  

BRAKES ON

If one or the other arrives, there are people who feel it will halt the progression of other players. We're obviously speaking about Ansu Fati, the La Masia star that didn't gain neither Setien nor Valverde's confidence for the big games. At 17, he must have patience, but after his performance with Spain last week the pressure to play him week in, week out is big. 

The arrival of a No9 should be considered as a complement for the space Suarez will leave. Koeman wants another piece to add to Messi, Fati, Griezmann and Dembele. Ousmane still needs to prove his fitness, but recent experience tells us we can't count on him 100 percent just yet. This is his fourth season at Barça and maybe his last chance. 

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