FC Barcelona is already working with its sights set on 2026, the year when Robert Lewandowski's contract will end. At 37 years old, the Polish striker will bring his time at the club to a close, after having been its top scorer in recent years. The board, aware that it can't improvise in such a decisive position, is carefully analyzing the options on the market.
In recent months, the favorite in Camp Nou offices has been Julián Álvarez, currently at Atlético de Madrid. The Argentine represents youth, potential, and a long-term profile, something highly valued by the technical department. However, the financial difficulties in carrying out an operation of that magnitude have opened the door to exploring new alternatives.
In this scenario, an unexpected name has burst onto the scene: Harry Kane. The English striker, now Bayern Munich's top scorer, has shown that he keeps a lethal instinct in front of goal. His numbers are impressive: 62 goals in 63 matches during his first two seasons in Germany.
A very similar profile to Lewandowski
Kane is currently 32 years old, but he is in peak physical condition and keeps a competitive hunger intact. At Barça, they see in him a profile almost identical to what Lewandowski offered in 2022 when he arrived from Bayern. He is a proven striker, with experience at the top level, capable of making a difference from day one.
Deco believes that Kane can guarantee at least two or three seasons at the highest level. This would allow the club an orderly transition toward the future, without losing offensive competitiveness during the process. The comparison with Lewandowski is no coincidence: both reach their 30s keeping an enviable scoring instinct and a mentality of constant obsession with scoring.
In addition, Kane brings more than just goals: he knows how to play with his back to goal, pin down defenders, and link up with attacking midfielders. In a system like Flick's, which seeks fluidity in the final third, those characteristics fit perfectly. For this reason, he is seen as a reinforcement that would not only provide numbers, but also a qualitative leap for the team.
Julián Álvarez or Harry Kane: The debate in the offices
At Barça, there is an internal discussion about which of the two profiles is more suitable. Julián Álvarez represents youth and room for growth, with the possibility of leading the attack for a decade. Kane, meanwhile, would offer experience, leadership, and the immediate certainty of a proven striker at the top level.
The choice will depend largely on the club's financial situation in 2026. If Barça manages to stabilize its accounts and have investment margin, the Argentine could be more accessible. But if financial restrictions persist, Kane could become the middle-ground solution: affordable signing, short contract, and immediate performance.
For now, Barça is observing and planning calmly, aware that it can't improvise again. Lewandowski keeps scoring goals and keeps his role as offensive leader, but the board knows it must anticipate. In this sense, Deco wants to have the decision made well in advance to avoid a gap in the forward line.
Estimated cost of the Kane operation
Harry Kane's contract with Bayern Munich ends in 2026, which radically changes the financial equation. If he arrives as a free agent, Barça could sign him without a transfer fee, although it would have to face a high signing bonus, estimated at about 15 million euros.
As for salary, Kane currently earns around 20 million net per season in Germany, figures that are very high for Barça. If he agreed to lower his demands, he could sign at Camp Nou for about 12-14 million net annually, still becoming one of the highest-paid in the squad.
This way, the arrival of the Englishman wouldn't mean an expense in transfer fees, but it would be a major commitment in wage bill. The dilemma is clear: immediate experience in exchange for a significant financial effort or betting on a younger, long-term profile.