Barcelona plans to enhance their striker position in the upcoming summer transfer window, expressing satisfaction with Robert Lewandowski’s performance. However, with his contract expiring on June 30 and his 36th birthday approaching, the club is looking to the future.
Despite coach Hansi Flick’s trust in Lewandowski, the club recognizes the need for a replacement. According to Spanish newspaper El Nacional, with no current player able to fulfill the “outright striker” role, club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco are actively seeking a dependable alternative.
Erling Haaland remains a primary target for Laporta, though his high price and Manchester City’s intent to retain him complicate matters. Consequently, Barcelona is considering other options, with Victor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon emerging as a potential candidate.
Gyokeres has excelled since joining Portugal, helping Sporting win the Premier League title in his first season while earning accolades as both the league’s best player and top scorer. Despite interest from top clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain, he opted to remain with Sporting, catching the eye of German coach Hansi Flick.
The newspaper reported that Flick informed Laporta that Gyokeres has the potential to surpass Mbappe’s impact at Real Madrid due to his impressive scoring ability, which Barcelona urgently needs in the coming seasons.
Given Gyokeres’ strong performance, Laporta and Deco’s concerns have diminished, especially since the player is outperforming Haaland in certain statistics this season. Gyokeres is now viewed as an ideal replacement for Lewandowski, thanks to their similar playing styles.
The estimated cost for signing Gyokeres is around 80 million euros, reflecting a clause in his contract with Sporting Lisbon.
