Barcelona: Agüero and Depay, an alternative to Haaland
Considering how difficult it will be to sign Haaland, Barça are thinking about bringing in two strikers who will be out of contract for next season.
Signing Sergio Agüero and Memphis Depay is a possibility for Barça for the 2021-22 campaign. The chances of landing Erling Haaland are remote - mainly for the huge transfer cost, and that could force Laporta, Alemany and his technical team to search for a low cost formula - one which would please Ronald Koeman and balance the team. Agüero and Depay may not be Haaland, but alongside Messi, Ansu, Dembélé and Trincão they would form a potent attack. Then there would be the question of what to do with Griezmann. Martin Braithwaite doesn't even enter the equation - Barça will be looking to sell him this summer.
Barça made progress in their pursuit of Kun Agüero by gaining a verbal agreement for a two-year contract with the player a few weeks ago. Since then, the Argentinean has confirmed that he will be leaving Manchester City. PSG are also keen on him. His arrival could be a factor in coaxing Messi to renew. Nearing 33, Agüero will no longer be the star forward at a big club but he would be handy to have to complement the current Barcelona attack and could get regular run-outs.
It's well known that Koeman prefers Depay, but he wouldn't block Agüero's arrival as long as he also gets both players. Similar to Èric García, Depay had an agreement in place with Barça back in September. But Dembélé's refusal to go out on loan to Manchester United put the brakes on that operation and by the January window, it was impossible. But Depay and Barça still hope his transfer can be sorted out - both Technical Secretary Ramon Planes and Koeman would authorise the deal. The Barça coach is keen to add Depay to his squad and if signing Haaland proves too costly, then Agüero and Depay could be the answer to strengthen Barça's attack for 2021-22.