The reports about FC Barcelona wanting to sign Sørloth make sense in terms of the idea, but not in the choice.
This links directly to what I had already said about Lewandowski. Renewing his contract, in my view, is still a mistake. Not because of his quality, but because of the logic: 37 years old, increasingly prone to injuries and with declining physical consistency. And most importantly, he looks more fundamental than he actually is because he’s the only natural striker in the squad. He’s the only one who pins centre-backs, who gives presence in the box, something Ferran Torres doesn’t offer.
And this is where Barcelona’s idea makes sense: they need another striker with those characteristics. A box player, someone who occupies defenders and acts as a reference. The problem is: why Sørloth?
He fits the profile, yes, but I don’t see in him that consistent finishing ability at the highest level. He’s not that player who guarantees goals game after game, and for a club like Barcelona, that has to be close to the minimum. I understand the financial situation doesn’t allow big spending, they’re close to the 1:1 rule and can’t go for Haaland, but that doesn’t mean you have to lower the level this much. The question is: isn’t there someone younger, with more room to grow and higher quality?
There’s also another interesting point: some people mentioned Julián Álvarez, but that doesn’t really make sense for what Barcelona need. The profile is completely different. The problem for Barcelona isn’t a lack of mobility in attack, it’s a lack of presence in the box.
And we go back to the key point: you can’t rely 100% on a 37-year-old striker. That’s basic squad management. You’re going to need someone who offers the same type of game when he’s not available.
If Sørloth arrives, there’s a direct consequence: Ferran can no longer be seen as just a striker. He automatically becomes the third option in that role, and at that point it makes sense to use him more out wide.
As for the idea of “joining rivals”, nowadays it doesn’t carry the same weight. Cases like Antoine Griezmann show that: he left, came back and is still loved. Modern football doesn’t live off that “pure” rivalry as much anymore.
Conclusion
Barcelona’s idea is right: they need a striker with similar characteristics to Lewandowski, but choosing Sørloth raises doubts.
The profile makes sense, but in terms of quality, it feels short and if it goes through, Ferran has to be repositioned, because as a striker he becomes the third option.