Barcelona still working on striker signing after Luis Suarez sale, says Ronald Koeman

Ronald Koeman was delighted with the performance of Ansu Fati in Barcelona's 4-0 win over Villarreal
AFP via Getty Images
Ben Hayward27 September 2020

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman says the club are still working on bringing in a striker following the sale of Luis Suarez to Atletico Madrid last week.

Suarez scored twice in just 20 minutes on his debut for Atletico on Sunday, but was not missed as Ansu Fati netted a brace of his own en route to a 4-0 win for Barca against Villarreal later in the day.

"We know that Suarez is a great striker," Koeman said after the game. "But we made a decision. We won't be really happy if he doesn't score, nor really sad if he does score."

Koeman had been critical of Fati after the 1-0 win over Elche in the Gamper Trophy last weekend, but was full of praise for the youngster after his performance versus Villarreal, in which he scored twice and also won a penalty.

In Pictures | Barcelona vs Villarreal | 27/09/2020

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"He's a young player who needs to be consistent in his play and his performances," he said. "He has a great future ahead at Barca and I'm very happy with him. He played a great game."

Barca are still keen to bring in a new forward, with Lautaro Martinez and Memphis Depay their top targets.

Koeman said: "It's always good to have a true centre-forward.

"We are working on it and let's hope we can fill that position [before the transfer window closes on October 5]."

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