decisive turn in Barcelona’s favor.
Barcelona’s Striker Hunt: Victor Gyökeres Identified as Key Target
Barcelona is preparing for a significant change in its attacking line next season, with club officials prioritizing the signing of a world-class striker. With Robert Lewandowski showing signs of slowing down due to age, the club is actively looking for a dynamic and prolific No. 9 to lead the frontline.
Laporta’s Vision: Gyökeres as the Perfect Lewandowski Successor
According to El Nacional, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has identified Sporting Lisbon’s Swedish striker Victor Gyökeres as the ideal replacement for Lewandowski. Sporting’s star forward has been in sensational form, scoring over 20 goals this season and proving himself as one of the top strikers in Europe. His playing style—fast, aggressive, and technically gifted—aligns perfectly with Barcelona’s tactical philosophy.
Financial Hurdles: The €100M Price Tag
Despite their strong interest, Barcelona faces a major financial challenge: Gyökeres has a €100 million release clause, a figure the Catalan club cannot afford outright due to Financial Fair Play restrictions. However, Laporta and sporting director Deco have devised a strategy to reduce the transfer fee by including Vitor Roque as part of the deal.
Vitor Roque as a Bargaining Chip
The young Brazilian forward, who joined Barcelona for around €30 million, was loaned to Real Betis for more playing time. However, his impact has been underwhelming, and Betis does not see him as a long-term asset. Sporting Lisbon had shown interest in Roque last summer, making him a strong candidate to be included in negotiations.
If Barcelona can leverage Roque’s value in the deal, they may be able to bring down the cash portion of Gyökeres’ transfer fee, making the move financially viable.
Competition from the Premier League
Time is of the essence for Barcelona, as Arsenal and Chelsea have also expressed interest in Gyökeres. If Barcelona does not move quickly, the price could increase further, making it even more difficult to secure the striker.
Deco Pushing for a Quick Resolution
Laporta has instructed Deco to accelerate negotiations and try to finalize the deal before other clubs intensify their pursuit. Barcelona knows that landing Gyökeres will require a major effort, but they see him as the long-term solution for their attack.
If successful, this transfer could mark a new era for Barcelona’s frontline, ensuring they remain competitive in both La Liga and European competitions.
