The 2021 summer transfer deadline day was one of the busiest days for Barcelona, as Griezmann returned to his former club Atletico Madrid and they signed Luuk De Jong from Sevilla as a replacement.
Many have raised their eyebrows at the signing of the former Sevilla striker, but Luuk De Jong is confident in his role under Ronald Koeman at Barcelona.
De Jong has previously played for Borussia Monchengladbach, Newcastle United, PSV and Sevilla in his career, and now he is ready to take the next step in his career by playing for Barcelona.
De Jong said during his Barcelona presentation: “The message [from Koeman] was clear: he wanted another type of striker and that’s why I think I fit in the team.”
“I’ve already proven my quality at the highest level.”
Luuk De Jong already has a good relationship with Depay and also know Frenkie De Jong, so it will be easy for him to settle in Barcelona. He said: “I have a very good relationship with [Memphis], I know him from PSV [Eindhoven] and we played well together.”
“We understood each other without words, with football. And I hope we continue to play well together here. I also know Frenkie.”
He continued: “I feel very good, I had a knee injury and for two or three weeks now I have been working with the team very well. I feel fit and ready.”
“I don’t know what the plans are for the next game, but I hope to recover and be up to it. I think I’m the type of player Koeman is looking for.”
“It’s the biggest step I’ve taken in my career. It’s the biggest club in the world. Coming here is a dream come true.”
De Jong was about to make his Barcelona debut against his former club Sevilla this weekend, but the game has been postponed and now he could make his debut for Barcelona in the Champions League opener against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night.
