Barcelona’s Strategic Plan to Replace Robert Lewandowski: The Hunt for a New Striker in 2026

As FC Barcelona basks in the glow of a successful 2024-25 season under manager Hansi Flick, which saw them clinch a domestic treble, the club is already looking ahead to a pivotal transition. Robert Lewandowski, the Polish striker who has been a cornerstone of their attack since joining from Bayern Munich in 2022, is nearing the end of his contract in June 2026. At 37 years old by August 2025, his departure looms large, prompting Barcelona’s sporting director Deco and president Joan Laporta to devise a plan to secure a world-class successor. With financial constraints and a competitive transfer market to navigate, here’s an in-depth look at Barcelona’s strategy to replace their prolific No. 9 and the top candidates in the frame.

 

 

 

 

The End of an Era: Lewandowski’s Legacy

 

Since arriving at Camp Nou, Robert Lewandowski has been nothing short of sensational, amassing 101 goals and 20 assists in 147 appearances across three seasons. His 2024-25 campaign was his most prolific yet, with 42 goals in all competitions, proving that age is just a number for the veteran striker. However, with his contract set to expire in 2026 and no renewal offer on the table, Barcelona are preparing for life after their talisman. Reports suggest Lewandowski may move to Saudi Arabia, with firm offers already on the table from Saudi Pro League clubs, signaling the end of his elite European career.

 

 

 

While Lewandowski remains a key figure for the 2025-26 season, manager Hansi Flick plans to manage his minutes carefully to avoid burnout, leaning on alternatives like Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo in a false nine role. This transitional approach underscores the urgency to identify a long-term replacement who can fill the void left by one of the 21st century’s greatest center forwards.

 

 

 

#### Financial Realities and Strategic Sales

 

 

 

Barcelona’s pursuit of a top-tier striker is complicated by their well-documented financial challenges. To fund a marquee signing, the club is reportedly planning to sell at least one high-profile player in the summer of 2026. According to *SPORT* via *Barca Universal*, potential candidates for sale include Raphinha, Gavi, Fermín López, and Andreas Christensen, with the proceeds earmarked for a new No. 9. This strategy reflects the club’s need to balance ambition with fiscal responsibility, as sporting director Deco has emphasized that without significant funds, signing a world-class striker will be “almost impossible.”

 

 

 

The financial stakes are high, with top targets commanding transfer fees upwards of €60-100 million. Barcelona’s recent signing of Nico Williams and goalkeeper Joan Garcia highlights their ability to make strategic moves, but a blockbuster striker acquisition will require careful planning and player sales to alleviate wage bill pressures, especially with Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong’s contracts expiring in 2026.

 

 

 

#### Top Candidates to Replace Lewandowski

 

 

 

Barcelona’s scouting team, led by Deco, has identified several strikers to lead their attack post-Lewandowski. Here are the leading contenders based on recent reports:

 

 

 

1. Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid)

 

The frontrunner in Barcelona’s plans is Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez, a 27-year-old Argentine striker who has emerged as a global star. After a standout debut season with Atlético, where he scored 29 goals and provided 8 assists, Álvarez is seen as the “perfect” successor by president Joan Laporta. His versatility, work rate, and clinical finishing align with Hansi Flick’s vision for a more agile, dynamic forward. However, Atlético’s reluctance to sell, combined with Álvarez’s €100 million valuation, poses a challenge. Barcelona remains vigilant, with Deco monitoring developments for a potential 2026 move.

 

 

 

2. Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting Portugal)

 

The 27-year-old Swedish striker has been a revelation at Sporting Portugal, scoring over 50 goals in the 2024-25 season. Previously linked with Barcelona, Gyökeres was once considered a top target, but recent reports indicate he may join Arsenal, with a release clause of €100 million or a possible transfer fee of €60-70 million. His physicality and goal-scoring prowess make him an attractive option, though Barcelona’s financial constraints may hinder their pursuit.

 

 

 

3. Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea)

 

A surprising name in the mix is Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, with Barcelona exploring a potential loan deal with an option to buy. Deco sees the 24-year-old Senegalese striker as a low-risk, high-reward option to rotate with or relieve Lewandowski in the short term. Jackson’s inconsistent performances at Chelsea and the club’s signings of João Pedro and Liam Delap have cast doubt on his future, making him a feasible target for Barcelona’s evolving frontline.

 

 

 

4. Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)

 

Barcelona have also been linked with Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford as a long-term replacement. The 28-year-old Englishman’s versatility and willingness to adapt to a central role at Camp Nou have caught Hansi Flick’s attention. Manchester United’s openness to offloading Rashford, potentially on a loan with a buy option, makes this a cost-effective possibility, though his inconsistent form raises questions about his suitability as a direct Lewandowski successor.

 

 

 

5. **Ferran Torres (Barcelona)**

 

Internally, Barcelona view Ferran Torres as a viable alternative to lead the line. The former Manchester City forward has been repositioned as a proper No. 9, serving as Lewandowski’s primary backup. Deco has expressed confidence in Torres’ ability to step up, though a signing like Álvarez is seen as better suited for the long term. Torres’ contract until 2030 and his adaptability provide a safety net if external signings fall through.

 

 

 

 

Fan Sentiment and Challenges Ahead

 

 

 

The search for Lewandowski’s replacement has sparked lively debate among Barcelona fans. Posts on X reflect a mix of excitement and concern, with some fans advocating for a proven star like Álvarez, while others worry about the limited pool of elite strikers available in 2026. One user noted, “There are already limited strikers available this year, and Isak was best suited for Barca, but he’s going to Liverpool maybe! So maybe we will be left with no proven or experienced striker available in 2026.” Another fan emphasized the need for a striker who brings “full-game impact” beyond just scoring, highlighting the high bar set by Lewandowski’s all-around contributions.

 

 

 

Barcelona’s challenge is not just financial but strategic. Replacing a player of Lewandowski’s caliber—101 goals in three seasons—requires a forward who can deliver both goals and leadership. Hansi Flick’s tactical shift toward a more dynamic, pressing style may favor a younger, more mobile striker like Álvarez or Jackson over a traditional target man. Additionally, competition from clubs like Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Atlético Madrid for top talents like Gyökeres and Álvarez complicates the transfer landscape.

 

 

 

 

A Vision for the Future

 

 

 

Barcelona’s plan to replace Lewandowski is a testament to their forward-thinking approach under Flick and Deco. While the 2025-26 season will see Lewandowski aim for a final flourish, potentially targeting a Champions League title, the club is laying the groundwork for a seamless transition. The pursuit of Julián Álvarez as the top target, coupled with contingency options like Gyökeres, Jackson, Rashford, and Torres, reflects a balanced strategy that blends ambition with pragmatism.

 

 

 

As Barcelona prepares for life after Lewandowski, the 2026 transfer window will be a defining moment. With a potential “superstar” signing on the horizon, as Laporta has hinted, and the financial boost from player sales, the Blaugrana aim to maintain their attacking prowess and continue their resurgence in European football. The question remains: who will step into Lewandowski’s boots and lead Barcelona into a new era?

 

 

 

What are your thoughts on Barcelona’s striker search? Who would you like to see replace Lewandowski? Share your views in the comments below