The Transfer Market Demands Ingenuity and Cold Blood from FC Barcelona Again. With the Financial Fair Play restrictions still setting the pace, the club's offices are working silently to close a high-impact offensive operation. The name in the spotlight is Viktor Gyökeres.
The Swedish forward from Sporting de Portugal has established himself as one of the most effective strikers in European soccer. Goals, power, and aggressiveness in the area have made him a target for several big clubs. Although he wasn't in Barça's original plan, his profile is very appealing to Hansi Flick.
The problem, as almost always, is the cost. But this time, the club is considering an alternative way to reduce expenses.
Lewandowski's Replacement Is Already Being Planned
Robert Lewandowski is entering his last contract season. At 37 years old, his presence remains important, but at Barça, they are already openly discussing a transition. The plan was to wait until 2026, but the market could bring everything forward.
Gyökeres's asking price is set: 65 million euros. An elevated figure, but manageable if the operation is well-structured. This is where the option of using players as bargaining chips comes in.
Sporting needs reinforcements in several positions. Barça has pieces that could be of interest.
Two Names on the Table
Within the club, they acknowledge that there are two footballers who could facilitate the arrival of the Swedish forward. One is Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan center-back, after an irregular season, is no longer considered untouchable.
Teams from the Premier League and Saudi Arabia have inquired about his situation. If a significant offer comes in, Barça won't stop it. Araujo could be key to generating room and facilitating a multiple agreement.
The other name is Ferran Torres. The Valencian has a market, and although Flick values his commitment, an offer of 40 million would be very difficult to reject.
The idea gaining strength is to propose a direct or partial exchange with Sporting. Including one or even both players as part of the deal would significantly reduce the financial outlay. At the same time, avoid a full-price purchase operation.
Barça believes the formula could benefit all parties. The Portuguese club would receive proven talent. Barça would strengthen a key position without compromising financial balance.
Gyökeres's camp views the possibility favorably. The forward would be delighted to make the leap to an elite club.
An Ambitious but Calculated Move
Gyökeres's arrival isn't a priority, but it is strategic. Flick wants a powerful forward, with physicality, that allows him to have more tactical options. The Swede fits perfectly into that play style.
Additionally, he would share the role with Lewandowski in his last season. A natural transition so the team doesn't lose goals or offensive presence. A profile that currently doesn't exist in the blaugrana squad.
Laporta and Deco are analyzing the numbers. If the conditions are met, the signing could be closed without compromising the economic model.
Barça is considering including Ronald Araujo and Ferran Torres as part of an exchange with Sporting de Portugal. If the Portuguese club accepts, Gyökeres could land at Camp Nou as the big offensive signing of the summer. The formula isn't simple, but it is realistic.
The two players would allow for salary mass to be freed up and cover part of the transfer cost. Barça would solve its forward transition once and for all. A risky move, but with sporting and financial logic.
In the club's offices, they already see it as more than just a possibility.