Barcelona cool their pursuit of €45 million-rated Robert Lewandowski replacement | OneFootball

Barcelona have decided to step back from their interest in Lille forward Jonathan David, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Despite being one of Europe’s top-performing forwards this season, the 24-year-old Canadian striker does not seem to align with the specific needs of the Catalan club.

David’s impressive scoring record, coupled with his age and the fact that his contract with Lille expires in 2025, has caught the attention of many top clubs.

Barcelona, known for their thorough scouting, have monitored his progress closely and identified his potential. However, it seems his playing style does not entirely match what the club is looking for in a forward at this time.

Barcelona have been assessing

In the past few weeks, Barcelona have been considering the pros and cons of signing David, noting that his dream was to play for the club. The club’s scouting team had been following his performances and watching his matches live.

Barcelona have been monitoring Jonathan David. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

While his goal-scoring ability was undeniable, there were concerns about whether his style of play would fit into Barcelona’s tactical approach.

Furthermore, although acquiring David would not require a large transfer fee, the deal would still involve a signing bonus, making it a more complicated affair.

There are other suitors too

David’s performances in the Champions League this season have only enhanced his reputation. With the Canadian national team, he has also impressed, scoring 31 goals in 59 appearances.

However, Barcelona’s decision not to pursue him stems from the understanding that his profile doesn’t fit the specific needs of the club. Barcelona have already secured a future partnership for Robert Lewandowski by signing Vitor Roque.

While he excels as a strong, space-exploiting forward, his style doesn’t mesh with Barcelona’s current plans for their attack. As a result, it seems unlikely that he will be joining the club anytime soon.