Berbatov: Cavani should leave Man Utd for Barca
Martin Macdonald
- 23 Dec 2021 13:53 GMT
- 4 min read
Former Manchester United star Dimitar Berbatov believes Edinson Cavani should seriously consider a move to Barcelona in January should the Blaugrana come calling.
Cavani eventually became a key player in the 2021/22 season for Man Utd, as although he took some time to adjust to life in the Premier League, he scored an impressive 10 goals in just 13 starts in the top flight and 17 in all competitions.
With a full season under his belt, it was believed the Uruguayan would develop further into the 2021/22 campaign, but his status received a blow when Man Utd brought Cristiano Ronaldo back to the club in the summer after Cavani has signed a new, extended contract.
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Injuries, and the presence of Ronaldo, has limited Cavani to just two Premier League starts so far this season.
With the Portuguese superstar clearly viewed as the main man up front, Cavani has been tipped for a move away, with Barcelona emerging as a potential destination.
The Blaugrana are desperate for attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window and will reportedly attempt to sign Cavani on an initial loan deal with the option to purchase in the summer.
Barca are not currently in a position to buy players for big money and will be shopping in the loan and free transfer market unless they can somehow recoup major funds from player departures during the window.
Berbatov, who played for United between 2008 and 2012, believes Cavani should move for the good of his career if Barcelona make him an offer.
What did Berbatov say?
"Despite a good season last time out, Edison Cavani hasn't played enough," Berbatov said in his Betfair column.
"When someone like Ronaldo comes into the club, he takes all the spotlight, he plays every game and in the world of football this happens.
"It's not a fair situation because Cavani did so well for the team last season, he earned a new deal but Ronaldo has taken his place in the team and we are where we are.
"If there's a chance for Cavani to leave the club, if there is a chance to join Barcelona, then of course he will be thinking about taking it to get more football.
"Barcelona need a striker, and it all depends on what Xavi wants from his team and how he is going to play. but if they are short on power upfront, I can see Cavani going there, not playing every single game, but he will be a solid addition and will score goals because that's what he does wherever he goes.
"Moving to a new league when you're an older player is a challenge, you think about what to expect, if it is worth it, you will ask friends and colleague that have played there how they train, what the football is like and then you will make the decision.
"In my case when I moved to Monaco I think it was the right decision, although I didn't want to leave England, you have to step out of your comfort zone and face challenges head on.
"I didn't regret it for one minute because I had a great time there. Hopefully, Cavani will have the full details about Barca, how they train, how they prepare and what they expect from him and then he will make a decision. Whatever it is, Barca is Barca, and when they come asking for you of course it's difficult to say no.
"With Cavani not playing at United it's an easy decision."
