Ronald Koeman wanted Barca to sign Luuk de Jong
The Dutch forward was Koeman's bet and like Memphis, he backed him
Barcelona considered not signing a new forward, despite Antoine Griezmann heading out. There were few real options on the table and resources were at a low. The club informed Ronald Koeman there was a chance Griezmann would be leaving 48 hours before the window shut but on the 31st of August, in the morning, it became a near certainty.
The coach gave the nod to the deal because economically it would be a huge boon, but wanted Luuk de Jong in exchange. Internally there was some reticence but Koeman said he knew the forward perfectly and was convinced that they could get good performances from him at Barca. Koeman stood up for Memphis and it turned out well and now he backed De Jong.
For Koeman, De Jong is an interesting player because Barca have no others of his profile. He’s a box striker with a good shot and a great header. When the team have their wingers like Ansu Fati and Dembele back, he could gain ground in terms of a starting role.
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