Picture Credit: Twitter
When FC Barceloan signed the charismatic Luuk de Jong from Sevilla in the recently concluded summer transfer window, expectations were there for the Dutchman to deliver and lead the newly-shaped Catalan side. However, after only being able to score a single goal for the club in all competitions so far, legendary La Liga striker Gica Craioveanu has come out to deliver his honest opinion on the 31-years-old striker.
To those who are aware, Gheorghe Gica Craioveanu dominated the Spanish top tier in the late 90’s, having played for Getafe, Villarreal and Real Sociedad. However, Gica Craioveanu is not only pundit or former player to criticise Luuk de Jong for his performance in the current season. Former Ballon d’Or winner and player of Barcelona in the 50s and 60s, Luis Suárez Miramontes also questioned Barcelona’s decision to sign the Dutchman.
“Who the Hell recommended Barcelona to sign Luuk de Jong?”, said Luis.
Gica Craioveanu slams FC Barcelona for signing Luuk de Jong
“Barça signed a player who, with all due respect to him as he is a Dutch international, but was a substitute for Youssef En-Nesyri at Sevilla. And he was signed as if he was a top player, to be a starter. It doesn’t seem right to me,” said Gica Craioveanu.
"He wouldn’t play at Craiova, either. He wouldn’t play with me,” he joked. “Barcelona is not what it used to be, I believe that it will take five or six years to become the team they used to be,” Gica added.
FC Barcelona has looked at their bear minimum par since the start of the 2021-22 season. In both, the Spanish domestic circuit and Champions League, Ronald Koeman-led side have been left frustrated after not being able to win games. With their attacking player lacking major scoring prowess, Luuk de Jong has been the center of attention for not being able to tap in easy opportunities in pressured situations.
As a result, manager Ronald Koeman is on verge of being sacked after helping Barcelona fight for the domestic title last season.