Barça seems to have definitively closed the door on signing a center forward this summer. The salary cap restrictions imposed by La Liga have left the club without enough room to undertake such a large-scale operation. At Can Barça, they assume that, unless there is an unexpected high-value sale, they will not be able to make the desired signing in this position.
The cost of a top-level '9' would imply not only a high transfer investment but also a significant salary that Barça can't afford right now. Therefore, the attack planning for the season will remain practically the same, betting on the continuity of their current offensive pieces, especially in the figure of Robert Lewandowski.
Lewandowski stays until 2026
Indeed, Lewandowski himself has cleared any doubts about his future. The Polish forward has communicated to the club his intention to fulfill his contract, which means he will continue wearing the blue and red jersey at least until the summer of 2026.
Alongside him, Ferran Torres will continue as a reliable alternative in the center forward role. Although the Valencian is not a pure '9', Hansi Flick trusts his versatility and work capacity. The idea is that Ferran Torres can give Robert Lewandowski a rest in specific matches and, along with the team's wingers, meet the attack's needs.
Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak, almost ruled out
The goal is to incorporate an offensive star in 2026,when Lewandowski ends his time at the club. However, the names that until recently led the list of potential candidates seem to have lost strength. Both Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres are no longer considered priorities by the sports area.
In this regard, according to El Nacional, Barça's dream would be another. A player who plays in La Liga and would be the marquee signing.
Barça's favorite for 2026
According to 'El Nacional', the name that is currently most favored in Barça's offices is Julián Álvarez. The Atlético de Madrid forward is liked for his tactical intelligence, mobility, scoring ability, and youth.
The major hurdle is that Atlético de Madrid sees him as their long-term star. Nevertheless, Barça is already preparing to try to entice the player in 2026, trusting in the good relationships with his entourage and the appeal of the blue and red project. Julián Álvarez could become the cornerstone of the new Barça.