Barcelona have completed the signing of Sevilla striker Luuk de Jong, according to Fabrizio Romano. The deal for the Dutchman comes as Antoine Griezmann depart on loan to Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona Sign Luuk de Jong From Sevilla
Documents have been checked and completed. Antoine Griezmann joins Atletico de Madrid, Luuk de Jong joins Barcelona. And… Saúl official to Chelsea, as expected. Waiting for official statements from Atléti and Barça. ⏳🔴 #DeadlineDay
HERE. WE. GO.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2021
Sevilla Striker Replaces Outgoing Griezmann
Atletico Madrid secured a sensational deadline day move for former player Griezmann leaving Barcelona light up-front following the exit of Lionel Messi as the Catalonian side continue to make wage cuts to meet financial fair play regulations.
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De Jong is 31 and, having been brushed aside by Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui, he wants to be playing first-team football.
Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman worked with De Jong with the Dutch national side and has long admired the striker. He will be relieved to be able to bring a player in after having to sell Messi, as well as Ilaix Moriba and Emerson Royal to both RB Leipzig and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.
De Jong has not been selected this season and whilst Sevilla have not asked him to leave the club, he was aware that his playing time was becoming limited and a move to Barcelona was one that he just could not refuse.
Koeman picked up Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero on a free transfer but the Argentinian remains injured, further adding to the crisis at the Nou Camp.
De Jong might not be the answer to all of Barcelona’s prayers but he will be a huge bonus to a club that is running out of money, running out of time and looking far from being solvent or successful.
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