For the 2025-26 season, Barça won't look for a new center forward in this transfer window. The '9' position is currently well covered with Robert Lewandowski as the undisputed starter and Ferran Torres as his main alternative. Both convince the coaching staff, and it is considered that there's no need to make a major investment in that area at this time.
Lewandowski, despite his veteran status, remains an offensive reference and a leader both on and off the field. His experience and goal-scoring ability are still key for Barça, while Ferran has proven to be a useful resource.
2026, the summer of the big signing
Although signing a new '9' has been ruled out this summer, the club is already working with the future in mind. The plan is to sign a global star in the summer 2026 transfer window, right when Robert Lewandowski's contract ends. The Polish striker will leave that year, and the sporting management wants to fill his spot with a proven forward who has leadership potential for the future project.
In this regard, Barça is aiming high. The goal isn't just to sign a forward, but to find the next great offensive leader, someone capable of defining an era as Luis Suárez or Robert Lewandowski did.
Julián Álvarez and Isak, the favorites
It's an open secret in the blaugrana environment that the two main favorites of the sporting management to succeed Lewandowski are Julián Álvarez and Alexander Isak. The Argentine is a complete forward, with international experience, young, and with a technical profile ideal for Barça's play style. His ability to link up, his goal-scoring instinct, and his work rate in pressing make him a top-level candidate.
Meanwhile, Isak is another name that's highly regarded. His physical power, ball skills, and continuous growth in the Premier League place him among the elite. He would be an ambitious signing, but within the parameters Barça is considering for next summer.
Laporta's dream is still Haaland
However, according to El Nacional, Joan Laporta is still dreaming of Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker from Manchester City is the president's great obsession. Even though Haaland has a contract until 2034, Laporta hasn't lost hope of being able to bring him in.
Barça's environment knows that it will be an extremely complicated operation, both financially and contractually, but Laporta believes that if there's an opportunity, the club must try. Haaland's arrival would be a global game-changer and would place Barça at the top of football projects for the second half of the decade.