3 Strikers Who Have Been Recruited by Barcelona

DBasia.news – In the 2022-2023 season Barcelona will be strengthened by Robert Lewandowski.

Lewandowski is now 33 years old. But his quality as a spearhead is still one of the best in Europe.

Lewandowski had just won the golden shoe title for the 2021-2022 season. It can’t be separated from his 35 goals in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich.

This record is also what makes Barcelona desperate to bring in Lewandowski. Funds amounting to 60 million euros was spent even though their financial condition is still unstable.

Interestingly, bringing in an aging striker is not something new to Barcelona. Usually this policy would have results.

There are at least three attackers aged over 30 years who have been brought in by Barcelona and have been successful. Here’s a summary:

1. Henrik Larsson

The trend of successful aging strikers in Barcelona can be said to have been started by Henrik Larsson. The Swede player came to Camp Nou in the summer of 2004.

Larsson joined Barcelona for free after the player’s contract with Glasgow Celtic expired. But at the time, El Barca’s decision raised questions.

At that time Larsson would be 33 years old. He is considered to have been worn out so he did not renew his contract at Celtic.

Larsson is only a coating at Barcelona. But he always performed optimally when he got the chance to play.

Larsson even became the hero of Barcelona’s victory in the 2006 Champions League final. Entering from the bench, he appeared as a differentiator to turn things around from Arsenal to finally win 2-1.

The match was also the last time Larsson defended Barcelona. He has made the decision to return home and strengthen Helsingborg.

2. Thierry Henry

The trend of aging strikers recruited by Barcelona continued when they brought in Thierry Henry from Arsenal. That moment happened in the summer of 2007.

Henry’s move to Barcelona was somewhat surprising due to his status as captain and living legend of Arsenal. Especially as he was 30 years old.

But the conflict between Henry and Arsenal officials made this transfer happen. Barcelona made up for it at a price of 24 million euros.

Barcelona’s decision to recruit Henry also proved to be right. He helped Pep Guardiola’s team win the treble winners in the 2008-2009 season.

Overall, Henry strengthened Barcelona for three seasons. In that short period, he was able to present 7 trophies.

3. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang became the next aging striker who was brought in by Barcelona. He was recruited from Arsenal in the winter transfer market, early February.

Signing Aubameyang was also a big gamble for Barcelona. Apart from being 32 years old, the Gabonese player is also being frozen by Arsenal due to indisciplinary issues.

However, this condition did not dampen Barcelona’s interest in signing Aubameyang. Xavi does need a goal-hungry striker.

Barcelona’s gamble continue to show results. Aubameyang answered doubts by scoring 11 goals in 17 LaLiga games.