Barcelona chief explains how he knew Aubameyang and Prem pair couldn’t fail after moving

Barcelona chief Jordi Cruyff explained how he knew signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres and Adama Traore in January weren’t gambles.

None of that trio Barcelona signed in January were regular starters at their respective clubs prior to moving. Aubameyang had been exiled from Arsenal’s first-team following a disciplinary breach late last year. The Gabon superstar had not played for the Gunners since December 6 before moving to Spain almost two months later.

Torres had been sidelined with a metatarsal fracture at Man City after starting the season brightly. However, he was an unused substitute in his final three league matches for the club.

Traore, meanwhile, was in and out of Bruno Lage’s Wolves side. Seemingly gone were the days when the speedster was entrusted with a start from the off week in week out.

But that didn’t stop Barcelona from pouncing for all three in the winter window and the trio have all hit the ground running.

Traore has four assists to his name in limited action, while Ferran Torres has six goals and five assists respectively. Aubameyang has been the biggest success story, plundering nine goals from his first 11 outings.

The ex-Arsenal marksman also bagged a brace as Barca thumped bitter rivals Real Madrid 4-0 last week.

Now, speaking to the Guardian, Barca chief Jordi Cruyff explained why he advised the club to target Premier League players specifically.

Jordi became Barca’s sporting adviser in September before later being named director of international football. He has quickly advanced to become the club’s de facto technical secretary.

The son of legendary Dutch striker Johan reckons that despite not being regular starters, the advantages of years of experience in the higher intensity