Vangelis Pavlidis: FC Barcelona eye perfect replacement for Robert Lewandowski, as AZ Alkmaar breakout star on radar of Spanish giants

FC Barcelona have set out to look for a perfect replacement for one of their biggest stars on the attack as they have been eyeing AZ Alkmaar star Vangelis Pavlidis as the next Robert Lewandowski. Amidst looking for reinforcements on the attacking third, the Greek striker might be a great option for Barcelona for their upcoming seasons.

Who is Vangelis Pavlidis?

FC Barcelona might have the services of Robert Lewandowski, Vitor Roque, Joao Felix and Ferran Torres among some of the great names on their attacking sector, but sometimes, you might need an extra body who would step up when the mainstays are faltering. Robert Lewandowski, the reigning Pichichi holder for the Catalans, might be undergoing a rough patch, as he is misfiring in front of the goal, thus not getting his name on the score sheet quite often like he used to do in the first season. To add to the attacking intent of the club, Xavi and board decided to rope in Brazilian talent Vitor Roque, who has been wreaking havoc at the Brazilian League, scoring goals and assisting for fun with Atletico Paranaense.

According to Mundo Deportivo, it has surfaced that the transfer team at Barcelona have started to monitor the progress of AZ Alkmaar’s breakout star Vangelis Pavlidis, as he might bolster the attacking third for the Spanish giants, who would look to defend their La Liga title this season, which is currently being fought between Real Madrid and surprise package Girona.

Humongous number by the Greek

A striking stalwart from Greece, Pavlidis has racked up humongous numbers for the Dutch side, who are currently sitting on the fourth position at Eredivisie. Considered to be the standout player for them, Pavlidis has enjoyed a scintillating campaign this season, scoring 22 goals, with 18 of them coming in 16 fixtures of the Dutch league.

With this prolificity at play by the Greek player, interests have begun to pique for him, with offers expected to come from all over Europe, with several heavyweights on the line, like AC Milan, Fulham and Chelsea to name some few. But, as in the case for Barca, the interests of Catalan club rest on the future of their current striker Robert Lewandowski.

Although the Polish have had some string of sub-par performances this season which has led to overwhelming criticism of his form, no one can doubt his exceptional abilities. Lewandowski has previously showcased his mettle with German champions FC Barcelona, where scoring five goals within a span of nine minutes to breaking legendary Gerd Mueller’s record of scoring most goals in a single season, was his habit at Allianz Arena.

After securing the Pichichi last year, a potential move to Saudi Clubs might be on the cards for the Polish superstar, as his contract is nearing the end at the end of this season. Provided this happens, Barca might activate the option of bringing the Greek Pavlidis on deck, as they are firm believers of his exceptional goal-scoring prowess.