Barcelona Reportedly Reach Agreement in Principle to Sign Kevin-Prince Boateng

Barcelona are reportedly close to signing Sassuolo forward Kevin-Prince Boateng having reached an agreement in principle regarding a loan move with an option to buy.

According to Sky Sport Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio (h/t Football Italia), Barca believe Boateng is "the right man" to add depth to their squad.

Per Di Marzio, Barcelona's option to make his stay at the Camp Nou permanent will be €8 million.

Barca are lacking cover up front after allowing Munir El Haddadi to join Sevilla earlier in January.

The 31-year-old journeyman is a choice out of left-field, though, as Grup 14's Rafael Hernandez and AS' Robbie Dunne noted:

Though he'll likely be used as a back-up to Luis Suarez, Boateng's goal record isn't especially inspiring.

In his senior club career, the Ghana international has scored 57 times, with just five coming this season from 15 appearances.

However, the most prolific campaign of his career came in his sole season in La Liga with Las Palmas, when he netted 10 goals in 2016-17, so Barca are perhaps hoping Spanish football can bring out his best form once again.

Football writer David Amoyal offered further insight into the thinking behind the move:

Given the role he'll likely play at the Camp Nou, Barca don't necessarily need him to hit huge numbers as they continue their push for the league title while also juggling other competitions.

They do need him to provide quality back-up to Suarez, though, so that the Uruguayan can be rested in less crucial games without derailing their campaign.