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BARCELONA

Barcelona: Agüero close to sealing summer move to Camp Nou

AS understands Barça president-elect Joan Laporta is close to tying up the summer signing of Manchester City's Sergio Agüero on a free transfer.

Update:
Barcelona: Agüero close to sealing summer move to Camp Nou
REUTERS

AS understands that Barcelona president-elect Joan Laporta is closing in on a deal to take Manchester City striker Sergio Agüero to the Camp Nou this summer.

Agüero deal can't be finalised until Laporta takes office as Barcelona president

Agüero, who would arrive on a free transfer along with City colleague Èric García, is on the verge of signing a two-year contract with the LaLiga giants - but the Argentina international cannot yet put pen to paper, because Laporta is still to officially take over as Barça president.

Currently, Barça remain in the hands of interim president Carles Tusquets, who heads up the managing committee that has overseen the Blaugrana's affairs in the absence of a permanent club chief.

Signing may be subject to Messi renewing his Barcelona contract

It should be noted that Agüero’s potential arrival may well be linked to Barça’s attempts to tie captain Lionel Messi down to a new contract: it’s possible his signing is conditional upon the six-time Ballon d’Or winner renewing a deal that is due to expire at the end of June.

Agüero nearly joined Barcelona in 2014

Agüero has been close to moving to Barcelona before. The former Independiente and Atlético Madrid man almost joined the club in 2014, only for then-sporting director Andoni Zubizerreta to opt for Luis Suárez instead - a decision the Uruguayan went on to fully justify in his six years at the club. Now, though, fate may give Agüero a second chance to pull on the Barça shirt.

Move wouldn't affect Laporta's Haaland plans

The signing of Agüero would not have an impact on Barça’s designs on signing Erling Braut Haaland, who is a cornerstone of Laporta’s plans for the side as of the 2021/22 season.

The 32-year-old would arrive charged with fulfilling a role similar to that of Henrik Larsson between 2004 and 2006 - a player capable of changing the course of tight games. He would also offer a step-up in quality on Martin Braithwaite.

Agüero, who spent five years at LaLiga club Atlético between 2006 and 2011, has scored 257 goals in 383 appearances for City, helping the Premier League side to four English titles.