Former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero believes Gabriel Jesus can quickly establish himself at Barcelona and score between 10 and 15 goals each season following his move to the Spanish champions.
Jesus has joined Barcelona on a three-year contract after leaving Arsenal in a deal worth £12.85m. The transfer was completed during the summer window, despite his departure from Emirates Stadium having been widely expected.
The move to La Liga came as a surprise after Jesus scored only six goals in 27 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions last season. Barcelona have recruited him after losing Robert Lewandowski this summer, with manager Hansi Flick seeking a replacement for the experienced striker.
Jesus is Barcelona’s third signing from a Premier League club this summer. He follows Anthony Gordon, who arrived from Newcastle, and Rodri, who joined from Manchester City.
Aguero, who played alongside Jesus during his time at Manchester City, believes the Brazilian forward is well suited to Flick’s approach and can benefit from the demands of playing in Spain.
“Gabriel Jesus can bring a lot to Barca. Pep (Guardiola) used him when we needed a more forward striker and he had a very clear role. Flick has a similar style.”
Jesus spent part of his Manchester City career adapting to different attacking responsibilities under Pep Guardiola. Aguero said the difficulty of scoring in the Premier League meant the new Barcelona forward could improve his numbers with the Catalan club.
“In the Premier League it’s really tough to score goals, it’s very complicated. I think he can easily score 10 or 15 goals per season.”
Barcelona are currently top of La Liga, and Aguero also offered a positive assessment of fellow new arrival Rodri, another player he knows from Manchester City.
“Barca will enjoy Rodrigo. He plays very simply and positions himself very well, he plays as a team, he backs up well… He anticipates the play. It’s not the same watching him on TV as it is on the field.”
The arrival of Jesus gives Barcelona another attacking option as Flick reshapes his squad following Lewandowski’s departure. His previous experience in the Premier League, together with his work under Guardiola at Manchester City, was highlighted by Aguero as evidence that he can adapt successfully to the demands of his new club.
Jesus could make his Barcelona debut on Sunday, when the club travel to Valencia looking to claim another three points.
