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What's the story?
According to the Spanish media outlet, Diario Sport, FC Barcelona turned down the opportunity to sign Serbian sharpshooter Luka Jovic because he didn't fit the profile they were searching for in a striker. The excessive transfer fee was another factor behind the cancelled operation.
In case you didn't know...
Real Madrid have signed the Serbian international on a six-year deal for a reported transfer fee of €65 million.
Luka Jovic came under the spotlight with his exceptional performances in the Bundesliga. The Serbian international joined Eintracht Frankfurt on a two-year loan deal from Portuguese outfit, Benfica. Initially, FC Barcelona started scouting the 21-year-old. However, they were soon joined by several European elites including Paris Saint-Germain and arch-rivals, Real Madrid.
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In the last season, Jovic finished the Bundesliga as the third-highest goalscorer with 17 goals and 7 assists registered to his name. Apart from that, his exploits in Europe led Frankfurt to the Europa League semifinals as he scored 10 goals in the campaign - finishing only behind Olivier Giroud, who found the back of the net 11 times.
The heart of the matter
According to the report, FC Barcelona turned down the chance to sign Jovic because they are searching for a striker with better movements.
Jovic, who is known to be a prolific poacher and a deadly striker in the box, similar to Luis Suarez, has proved his quality through his staggering numbers last season. However, the Spanish champions are looking for a forward who can drift out wide and leave spaces for the main striker.
This was the main reason why the Blaugrana turned down the forward. Although, they didn't say that Jovic lacked quality. Indeed, he wasn't just the man they needed.
What's next?
Following the signing of Luka Jovic at Real Madrid, FC Barcelona have turned their attention towards Valencia striker Rodrigo Moreno, as per reports in Spain.
