Barcelona look to Chinese Super League for Aguero replacement
Robin Bairner
- 6 Nov 2021 08:23 CDT
- 3 min read
New Barcelona head coach Xavi has many problems to solve now that he has been confirmed as the new boss at Camp Nou, but one of the most urgent will be solving the club’s attacking issues.
Barca have been dealt a blow with the news that Sergio Aguero will miss three months of action after suffering from shortness of breath in a recent clash against Alaves.
With Martin Braithwaite also out until 2022 and Luuk de Jong’s awkward style set to jar against what Xavi will try to implement, Barcelona are bereft of natural centre forward options, with Memphis Depay set to fill the void in the meantime.
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Financial issues mean that it will be complicated to find a replacement for Aguero, with the loan market one area that could be exploited.
AS state that Barca have found a potential arrival via free agency, however.
Bakambu to Barcelona: Why it works
Cedric Bakambu is out of contract with Beijing Guoan and has previously been on the club’s radar.
He is described as a “very strong option” to arrive in Barcelona this January because he is out of contract in January and will not command enormous wages.
Furthermore, Bakambu has experience of La Liga. Having started his career with French side Sochaux, he moved to Bursaspor in Turkey for the 2014/15 season before moving to Villarreal.
Cedric Bakambu Career Stats
| Years | Club | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-14 | Sochaux | 107 | 21 |
| 2014-15 | Bursaspor | 40 | 21 |
| 2015-18 | Villarreal | 105 | 47 |
| 2018-? | Beijing Guoan | 87 | 58 |
His record in Spain’s top flight also stands up well to scrutiny. He has scored 32 goals in 75 appearances for a side at a level below Barca.
While he may not be a star name, the DR Congo forward, who is 30, is the type of player that Barcelona fans will have to grow used to seeing arrive at their club in the next year or two as they fight their financial problems.
Bakambu would be a stop-gap addition to Barcelona’s ranks, but any reinforcement at presence is welcome.
