Barcelona targets Vedat Muriqi as Lewandowski substitute

Mallorca striker is being seen as a surprise alternative, but increasingly reasonable for the team's offensive department led by Hansi Flick.

Muriqi held a fantastic individual season in La League, performing 23 goals, although he failed to save Mallorcan from falling into the second category.

His form has attracted Barcelona's attention, which is looking for an experienced, strong physical and immediate efficiency attacker in front of the gate.

Sports director Deco praises the profile of the Kosovo assailant, who is well-known with the Spanish championship, dominates the game in the air and offers a physical presence currently missing in Barcelona's offensive department.

The Catalan club does not view Muriqi as a long-term investment, but as a practical and immediate solution after Leandowski's departure.

The collapse of Mallorca in Segunda Division could play a key role in negotiations. The loss of financial revenues is expected to force the Spanish club to review economic plans, opening the possibility of selling the Kosovo star.

Barcelona is believed to be ready to provide about 15m euros for its transfer -- a sum considered affordable for the club's current financial conditions.

Muriqi herself can see a transfer to “Camp Nou”, as this would give him the opportunity to fight for trophy and play at the highest European football levels.

The Kosovo attacker is seen as a player who can give Barcelona different options in the attack, especially against deep-protected teams.

Meanwhile, concern for Muriqi also has from MLS clubs in the United States, which continue to monitor his situation.

However, the possibility of moving to Barcelona remains a much more attractive option from a sports standpoint.

Barcelona is considering the opportunity to offer Kosovo a two-year contract in an operation that would have no media character, but seen as an intelligent and functional move to fill the gap left by Leandowski. /Telegraphy/