Barcelona consider Muriqi as alternative striker target
Barcelona have identified RCD Mallorca striker Vedat Muriqi as a potential transfer target this summer as they seek to bolster their attacking options. According to a report from Sport, the 31-year-old Kosovan international is on a shortlist of forwards being monitored by the Catalan club, who are looking for a physically imposing number nine.
The club's primary focus has reportedly been Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, but the financial demands involved in that deal may prove prohibitive. Should a move for Alvarez prove unfeasible, Barcelona's attention could shift to Muriqi, who is enjoying the most prolific season of his career. The striker has scored 21 goals in La Liga this campaign, placing him second only to Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Pichichi trophy.
Muriqi is under contract with Mallorca until 2029 and has a release clause set at €40 million. However, Barcelona officials, having made initial enquiries through intermediaries, believe a significantly lower fee could be negotiated, especially if Mallorca's precarious league position results in relegation. The Balearic side currently sit just two points above the relegation zone with seven matches remaining.
The striker's profile offers a marked contrast to Barcelona's traditional attacking preferences. Standing at 1.94m, Muriqi's primary strengths are his aerial dominance, hold-up play, and clinical finishing in the penalty area. While his lack of agility may not perfectly suit Barcelona's quick-passing style, the club's sporting department sees value in adding a direct, physical threat that has been largely absent from their squad.
Muriqi's form this season represents a significant upturn, having netted seven and 15 goals in the previous two La Liga campaigns respectively. His consistent ability to trouble Spanish defences, however, has been evident throughout his tenure at Mallorca. Barcelona have also been linked with his international strike partner, Fisnik Asllani, indicating a broader search for a centre-forward.
The potential acquisition of a player like Muriqi would signal a pragmatic shift in Barcelona's recruitment strategy, prioritizing a proven La Liga goal threat over a more technically fluid but perhaps less prolific forward. It would provide manager Hansi Flick with a distinct tactical option, particularly in games where breaking down deep-lying defences has proven difficult. The coming weeks, which will define Mallorca's fate, are likely to dictate the seriousness of Barcelona's interest and the feasibility of a deal.
