Without a doubt, FC Barcelona’s 19 year old winger Munir El Haddadi is one of the best up and coming talents today in the football world. However, breaking into the starting eleven of Luis Enrique’s squad has been very hard for the youngster especially after Luis Suarez came back from suspension.
Munir El Haddadi is the latest product of La Masia who was able to get into FC Barcelona’s first team. He made his Liga debut last August in a match against Elche. Munir immediately made a big impression among Barca fans after he scored one of Barcelona’s three goals in that match. However, he wasn’t able to score another goal in any match after that and his role has also been limited to a substitute especially after Luis Suarez made his debut for Barca last October.
Limited playing time
Munir is listed as a forward in Barcelona, which is the same position as Messi, Neymar, Suarez and Pedro play. With such intense competition, it’s no surprise why he hardly gets any playing time now. This is why it’s reported that he’s been open to any move away from Camp Nou. However, it’s also believed that Barca isn’t keen on selling him because he can provide cover to any of their four forwards whenever the need arises.
Huge interest from England
There have been many clubs who have taken interest on Munir, but it’s Chelsea and Arsenal which have shown serious interest in signing him this summer. Both clubs are focusing to add more attacking options to their line-up for the coming season. Aside from Munir, both London clubs are also reported to be eyeing to sign Pedro this summer.
Munir just signed a new deal with Barca last December in which his release clause was raised from €12 million to €35 million. Both English clubs can definitely afford to pay this fee. But the Gunners are said to be ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign Munir as they’re now believed to be in talks with Barcelona. Some speculate that Chelsea might just recall Mohamed Salah who did very well during his loan spell with Fiorentina. This is the same thing that Mourinho did last summer when he recalled Thibaut Courtois from Atletico.
In case Munir goes to England, FC Barcelona will be always be proud of him as he’s a product of La Masia. He’s a big proof that this institution is still capable of producing top quality talents today in contrast to what its critics say.
