🔵🔴 Barcelona’s Post-Lewandowski Plan: Who Will Lead the Line in 2026?
Fresh off a domestic treble in 2024-25 under Hansi Flick, FC Barcelona are enjoying a moment of glory. But behind the scenes, the club is already working on a vital piece of long-term planning: replacing Robert Lewandowski.
The Polish icon, who joined from Bayern Munich in 2022, has delivered spectacular numbers—101 goals and 20 assists in 147 appearances, including 42 goals last season alone. But with his contract expiring in June 2026 and his 38th birthday approaching by the start of the 2026–27 campaign, the end of an era is approaching.
Barcelona’s hierarchy, led by sporting director Deco and president Joan Laporta, is focused on securing a world-class No. 9 to continue the club’s upward trajectory—while working within financial limitations and growing competition in the transfer market.
⚠️ Financial Reality: Sell to Buy
While Lewandowski remains crucial for the 2025–26 season, his gradual rotation is expected—with Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo being used in false-nine roles to preserve the veteran’s sharpness.
To fund a marquee striker in 2026, Barcelona are preparing to offload at least one major player. Names floated in reports include Raphinha, Fermín López, Gavi, and Andreas Christensen, with estimated transfer revenues needed to cover a fee between €60–100 million.
While the arrival of Nico Williams and Joan Garcia this summer proves that smart business is still possible, Deco has stated plainly: a superstar striker will only come if money is freed up.
🏆 Top Candidates to Replace Lewandowski
1. Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid)
Once a Manchester City bench spark, Álvarez has become Atleti’s crown jewel, netting 29 goals and 8 assists in his debut season. Laporta sees him as the ideal heir to Lewandowski—agile, tenacious, technically sound. But Álvarez won’t come cheap, with a rumored valuation near €100 million, and Atlético are reluctant to sell.
Still, Deco is watching closely for movement. Álvarez is the No. 1 target.
2. Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP)
A powerhouse season saw the Swedish striker score 50+ goals for Sporting. Though heavily linked with Arsenal, he remains on Barça’s radar, especially if a bidding war fails to emerge. His €100 million release clause might be reduced, but any pursuit hinges on major sales.
3. Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea)
A pragmatic option, Jackson is being considered for a loan with an option to buy. The 24-year-old has struggled with consistency at Chelsea, but Deco believes his physical attributes and ceiling make him a low-risk, high-upside gamble. Chelsea’s new attacking signings make this a real possibility.
4. Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
A wildcard pick. Rashford, 28, has expressed openness to a new challenge, and United may be willing to sanction a loan with a future fee. Flick reportedly sees potential in Rashford as a flexible forward, though concerns linger about his recent form and confidence.
5. Ferran Torres (Internal Option)
The ex-City man has grown into a more defined striker role under Flick. While not the long-term solution fans might crave, Barça value his adaptability and contract security (until 2030). He’ll remain a Plan B if external pursuits fall through.
💬 Fan Reactions: Hope and Hesitation
Barcelona fans are divided. Some are eager for Álvarez, calling him “the next big thing” who fits Flick’s pressing style. Others express concern that the striker market is thin, noting targets like Isak may already be headed elsewhere (possibly Liverpool). There’s also anxiety over the club’s financial gymnastics, with one post reading:
“We can’t go into 2026 without a proven goalscorer. Lewy leaves a void few can fill.”
🔮 What’s Next?
As Lewandowski chases one final Champions League title, Barcelona are building for life beyond him. With Laporta hinting at a “superstar” summer in 2026, and Deco orchestrating contingency plans, the club is approaching the striker situation with a blend of ambition and realism.
The 2026 transfer window could define Barça’s next decade. Whether it’s Álvarez, Gyökeres, or a surprise candidate, one thing is clear:
Barcelona are planning not just for replacement—but reinvention.
Who should replace Lewandowski in 2026? Drop your thoughts in the comments below. 👇
