Report: Breaking down the realities of Barcelona’s upcoming striker signing to replace Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski is in the final year of his contract at FC Barcelona and is likely to move on at the end of the season.

The veteran centre-forward has been an exceptional player for the club since his arrival in 2022 from Bayern Munich, but at 37 years of age, the club must begin to look for a reliable successor.

Barcelona director Deco, thus, faces one of his greatest challenges heading into the summer of 2026 – finding a new No. 9 capable of leading the line and inspiring fans. With the elections looming, president Joan Laporta is also likely to go all out to bring in a marquee player.

Here is a breakdown of the most talked-about candidates to replace the veteran superstar at Barcelona.

Julian Alvarez – Laporta’s pick

As has already been reported, Atletico Madrid and Argentina striker Julian Alvarez is the No. 1 target for Laporta, who has been blown away by the 25-year-old’s abilities.

Joan Laporta’s favourite pick. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

There had been interest in him last summer too, but finances and the trust in Lewandowski meant nothing came of it. However, given how he has started the season – punishing Barça’s arch-rivals Real Madrid recently – it seems to have further strengthened his candidature.

Alvarez’s agents are not closing the door, and that always gives hope, although Atletico Madrid will be very tough. He is tied to the club until 2030, with a release clause set at €500 million.

Erling Haaland – The dream target

The dream target. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

It is no secret that Erling Haaland is the deepest object of desire of the Barça fanbase, while Laporta himself has never stopped pursuing the Norwegian “cyborg” thriving at Manchester City.

Haaland’s contract with Manchester City runs until 2034, with a release clause that allows him to leave freely from 2029, though details remain unspecified. However, against all odds, Laporta has one weapon on his side: his friendship with the striker’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta.

Serhou Guirassy – Flick likes him

Flick admires Serhou Guirassy. (Photo by Frederic Scheidemann/Getty Images)

As reported already, Serhou Guirassy is the type of striker Hansi Flick likes for his strength and work rate. The Borussia Dortmund striker scored five goals against Barcelona in just three matches, leaving a strong impression on the German coach.

Guirassy is under contract at Dortmund until 2028, with a €70 million release clause. At 29, he does not rule out the opportunity to play for a European giant and chase trophies.

Harry Kane – A Lewandowski repeat

Barcelona would be repeating the Lewy formula with Kane. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

One of the most lethal strikers in the modern game, Harry Kane’s signing for Barcelona would follow a model similar to the acquisition of Lewandowski – a proven goalscorer, a guarantee, entering the final years of his career, and can deliver immediate success.

The England striker’s contract at Bayern Munich, which runs until 2027, includes a reduced release clause worth around €60 million, should he decide to leave the Bundesliga for a new adventure.

Lautaro Martinez – An old flame

Lautaro long-admired by Barcelona. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The paths of Lautaro Martinez and Barcelona almost crossed back in 2019 until the pandemic disrupted them. Lautaro has already spent eight seasons at Inter Milan, where he is an idol, but also where wear and tear is showing.

If the powerful striker seeks a move away, Barcelona might look to rekindle their interest, although his contract with Inter, running until 2029, has no release clause.

Dusan Vlahovic – A market opportunity

A free agent next summer. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Perhaps he does not have the biggest reputation, but Dusan Vlahovic is a natural goalscorer, the same age as Alvarez and Haaland, with one major advantage for Barcelona’s finances: his Juventus contract ends on 30 June, and he does not want to renew.

It makes him a market opportunity for the Catalans, but competition will be fierce, and his salary and signing bonus will not be small. The Serbian striker is seeking to increase his value and has started the season strongly.

Benjamin Sesko – Deco’s impossible dream

Deco wanted Benjamin Sesko. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Benjamin Sesko’s move to Manchester United for €76.5 million this past summer denied Deco a striker very much to his liking. Barcelona could not compete financially with the Red Devils, but given the instability at Old Trafford, it is unwise to lower their guard.

The tall Slovenian striker is no longer scoring as freely, and has attracted criticism in England, possibly opening the doors for a future exit. However, Sesko has a contract with Manchester United until 2030, making him an expensive option.

Etta Eyong – The one that got away

Barcelona still tracking Etta Eyong. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

Etta Eyong was an option for Barcelona last summer after his breakthrough at Villarreal, thanks to an affordable release clause, but he ended up joining Levante for a nominal fee of €3 million.

But Barcelona have not lost track of a player who both scores and provides assists. Quick and dynamic, one of his greatest qualities is his ability to start from deep and find space. His current deal with Levante runs until 2029, with a release clause of €30 million.