Transfer Centre

Barcelona 'identify two possible Luis Suarez replacements'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 21 March 2019

Barca 'identify two Luis Suarez replacements'

Barcelona reportedly identify a two-man shortlist of Luka Jovic and Rodrigo as possible long-term replacements for 32-year-old striker Luis Suarez.

Barcelona have reportedly drawn up a two-man shortlist of possible contenders to serve as a long-term replacement for striker Luis Suarez.

The Spanish champions are understood to be looking at bringing in a successor for the ageing Uruguayan this summer, initially to provide competition but also to replace him in the team when the 32-year-old's career at the club comes to an end.

AS reports that the Barcelona board are in no rush to usher Suarez out, but have begun considering players who could take up the mantle when required.

Serbian striker Luka Jovic - who is currently on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt from Benfica - is their top target, with separate reports claiming that they are already preparing a €50m (£43.3m) bid for his services.

The 21-year-old has impressed during his temporary spell in Germany so far, scoring 15 goals in 24 Bundesliga appearances.

Barca are also tracking Valencia's Rodrigo, who is thought to be manager Ernesto Valverde's preferred choice despite having scored only five goals in La Liga this term.

Suarez has scored 173 goals and created a further 94 in just 237 games for Barcelona since joining from Liverpool in 2014.