Barcelona STUNNED by striker’s contract demands

Barcelona were hoping to pull off a bargain signing next summer but the La Liga giants have baulked at the cost of a deal, putting the transfer in jeopardy.

The Catalans have eyed players with contracts expiring over the past few seasons as they continue to struggle with finances and the tight wage constraints in La Liga.

Having brought in the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Inigo Martinez and Andreas Christensen on free transfers in recent years, Barca were hoping to repeat that trick with the signing of Jonathan David.

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The 24-year-old is in the final year of his contract at Lille and had recently described Barcelona as his dream club, prompting the Blaugrana to consider a move for David as they search for a long-term successor to the veteran Robert Lewandowski.

However, SPORT have revealed that David’s financial demands are causing Barca to doubt the feasibility of a deal, with the club already uncertain of his suitability to perform at the top level.

It is claimed that David would cost the club a total of €80 million over a four-year deal – a figure described as ‘not unreasonable’ but currently too high for a player who would not be an undisputed starter.

Barca prioritising world class winger over David

David has been prolific since joining Lille in 2020, netting 78 goals in 157 Ligue 1 games including seven this season, as well as four goals in four Champions League appearances this year.

His record, combined with being a young talent available on a free transfer, led Barca to seriously consider a deal, with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea also thought to be interested.

But Barca are seeking to prioritise their limited resources into signing an elite left winger such as Rafael Leao, Nico Williams or Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and will therefore not commit to a deal for David at his current cost.

While the club appreciate David’s declaration of love for Barca, they are ‘clear’ that the striker will need to ‘make a financial effort’ to secure a move to his ideal choice.