Barça Continues Planning for the Future and, in This Regard, Deco Is Clear That the Team Needs to Strengthen the Forward Line. The current sporting director believes it's time to sign a '9' since Robert Lewandowski can't handle all the minutes as in previous seasons. Despite his great goal-scoring performance, with 33 goals this season, the Polish player has shown signs of physical wear.
Deco considers that for Barça to continue competing at the highest level in all competitions, it is essential to have a reliable forward. The idea is not to replace him immediately but to manage his playing time so he arrives in better condition at the key moments of the season. The sporting management insists that Barça can't depend on a player who has surpassed the 36-year-old mark.
The goal of this signing is to find a quality replacement who can take on the role of starting '9' in the future but who, in the short term, can coexist with Lewandowski. However, the challenge lies in the club's economic situation, which requires being very selective with investments in the transfer market.
Barça's Favorite
Alexander Isak Is the Name That Barça Likes the Most. The Swede has established himself as one of the best forwards in the Premier League, standing out at Newcastle for his goal-scoring ability, mobility, and intelligence in the area. However, his signing seems complicated since his club values him at about 150 million euros, a figure that is beyond Barça's reach.
Another forward also on the agenda is Viktor Gyökeres, who shines at Sporting Portugal and has become one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe. The Swede fits the profile the club is looking for due to his physical strength and finishing ability, but his price would be around 100 million, which also doesn't facilitate his arrival.
With Lewandowski still on the team, the club doesn't see clearly spending such a high amount on another forward. The priority remains to strengthen other key positions without compromising economic stability. Although Deco insists on the need to sign a '9', the high cost of the candidates makes the sporting management maintain some caution.
The '9' Flick Wants Signs Until 2027
Another important factor is Lewandowski's continuity. According to Sport, the Pole will stay at Barça until 2027, as the club will offer him an extra year to his current contract. This extension reflects the confidence the management still has in his performance and leadership within the team.
Hansi Flick Values Lewandowski Highly and believes he can still contribute both on and off the field. Although his physique no longer allows him to play all the minutes, his experience and goal-scoring ability remain an essential asset for the team. Therefore, Barça bets on continuing to count on him while still exploring options to find the forward of the future.