Al Sadd striker Baghdad Bounedjah has been requested by newly hired Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez to join the club on a permanent basis.

According to a rumour from Fichajes, FC Barcelona may be interested in signing Baghdad Bounedjah in the near future. In addition to playing for Xavi’s previous club, Al Sadd, the Algerian striker is also a favourite of the new Barcelona coach, who has set an ambitious goal of bringing him back at Camp Nou in January.

Xavi looks to have begun laying the foundation for his new-look Barcelona club shortly after taking over as manager from Ronald Koeman earlier this month, according to reports. Apparently, he was instrumental in encouraging the club to re-sign former superstar Dani Alves, who is poised to return to the Nou Camp in the coming months.

Xavi wants to reunite with Baghdad Bounedjah in Barcelona

Following the reunion with Alves, it looks like Xavi is considering another reunion with Baghdad Bounedjah. Because of their time together at Al-Sadd, the Algerian striker and the Barcelona manager have developed a strong friendship. He was one of the best performances in the Qatari League throughout his time with the Spaniard, and he even finished the season as the league’s leading scorer.

Having scored 21 goals in only 19 games last season, he was instrumental in the team winning the Qatari Championship. And, in general, the striker has had an outstanding season under Xavi, scoring 62 goals in 75 competitive appearances while also contributing 24 assists to the cause.

Bounedjah might show to be a viable replacement for Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero

Xavi’s wish to sign Bounedjah has raised many eyebrows in the Barcelona camp, despite the fact that he has put up great figures for Al-Sadd so far this season. In light of the disparity between the Stars League and La Liga, which is one of the top five leagues in Europe, it seems that widespread scepticism is growing about the Algerian’s abilities.

Bounedjah, for example, has never played in Europe, creating more questions about his ability to replicate his impressive achievements in the Spanish top division in the future. Luuk de Jong has been requested to leave Barcelona in the next January transfer window, and the 29-year-old might be an ideal and cost-effective alternative for the Dutchman.
Sportingly, Bounedjah might show to be a viable replacement for Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero, who is suffering from a heart condition that could have major ramifications for his footballing future.

In addition to the Algerian striker, it would not be strange to see Barcelona looking to add more offensive reinforcements to their ranks. They are apparently in the running to acquire Karim Adeyemi, a promising young German striker, while the Catalans are supposedly closing in on the signing of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City.

Now, it remains to be seen whether the Barcelona board will grant Xavi’s wish and bring Baghdad Bounedjah to the Camp Nou from Al Sadd. Let’s see how Barcelona spend their money and which player they signed?