A classic number nine, the former Sevilla man moved to Camp Nou on the deadline day of the summer transfer market.
Luuk de Jong can help FC Barcelona “play a more direct style”, insists Ronald Koeman as he opens up on his expectations for the striker.
Following the departures of Lionel Messi, who moved to Paris Saint-Germain, and Antoine Griezmann, who returned to Atletico Madrid, Barcelona found themselves without the lack of enough options upfront.
The Catalan giants took one last dip in the transfer window as it was on the verge of slamming shut and pulled in De Jong from Sevilla.
Having arrived on loan, the Dutchman, who scored nine goals in all competitions in 2020-21, is expected to lead the line in rotation with Martin Braithwaite for Barca.
Koeman told Sport: “I had already spoken to [De Jong] in early August about the possibility of signing him.
“I wanted a forward different from what I had and I thought of him because I know him very well. In fact, I was wondering how it was possible that Barca never had a forward like Luuk.
“He is going to give us something different, especially with his aerial game and in set-pieces. With him, we can play a more direct style. I’m very happy with his signing.”
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