Barcelona have reportedly lined up FC Porto striker Samu Omorodion as a potential replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
Robert Lewandowski has been on fire for Barcelona under new head coach Hansi Flick, scoring 19 goals in just 17 appearances across all competitions including 14 goals in 13 La Liga outings. He has been at his ruthless best, producing arguably his best display this season in Blaugrana’s 4-0 thrashing of bitter rivals Real Madrid.
However, the Poland international is 36 and not getting any younger. While Lewandowski continues to shine, the La Liga giants are considering a long-term replacement once he decides to move on. According to a report from El Nacional, FC Porto’s Samu Omorodion has emerged as a target for Barcelona.
After a move to Chelsea broke down, Samu Omorodion moved to FC Porto in a €15million deal from Atletico Madrid. It was initially thought that Diego Simeone would give the young striker an opportunity in the Atletico Madrid first team this season following his promising loan spell with Alaves but he decided to bring in Alexander Sorloth and Julián Álvarez, forcing the Spaniard to leave the club and join Porto.
Omorodion, 20, has been making waves in Portugal with an impressive 12 goals in 13 matches this season. The hulky centre-forward’s form has seen being called up to the senior Spanish national team for the upcoming UEFA Nations League games.
Samu Omorodion to Barcelona—Should the Catalan giants make a move?
Hansi Flick has turned Barcelona’s fortunes around since arriving in May as Xavi Hernandez’s successor. By employing a high-pressing, aggressive and attacking brand of football, Blaugrana have swatted teams away left, right and centre this season and rightly find themselves six points at the summit of La Liga.
Having worked with Flick at his previous club Bayern Munich, it is not surprising to see Lewandowski thrive as a focal point in attack for Barcelona. The hugely decorated Pole has not only been scoring goals but his work ethic off the ball, pressing and link-up play have also been key in helping his side.
Although Lewandowski is showing no signs of ageing, one cannot deny the fact that he is 36 and will not be at Camp Nou for long term. Thus, the Catalan club want to ease his burden and subsequently replace him in a year’s time by signing Samu Omorodion from Porto.
Omorodion showcased his vast potential during his loan spell with Alaves, where he netted eight goals in 34 league outings. He was one of the key figures behind Alaves finishing tenth in La Liga. The Spain under-23 international is a different profile of a striker to Lewandowski; fast, athletic and physical with great striking power on both feet.
At 20, Omorodion has a long way to go before hitting his peak years as a striker. The young Spaniard can unlock his true potential under Flick, and with Porto supposedly ready to let him leave for around €40 million, Barcelona must do everything possible to sign him next summer.
