Barça is scouring the market in search of a forward who can take over from Robert Lewandowski, either this summer season or the next. Although the Polish player has a contract until 2026, the club is already seriously considering his replacement. While his performance remains remarkable, at 36 years old his physique feels more wear and tear and Barça doesn't want to wait until the last moment to find him a substitute.
Therefore, Deco has intensified the monitoring of several top-level strikers who can lead the project in the coming years. Lewandowski has been a benchmark in the area since his arrival in 2022, and finding an heir of his caliber is not an easy task.
Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak, the Names That Excite the Most
In this regard, the names that most appeal to Deco and Joan Laporta are Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres. Both have established themselves as two of the best forwards in Europe and would fit perfectly into Barça's scheme.
The performance of both this season is being spectacular. Isak has demonstrated his scoring ability in the Premier League, while Gyökeres has shattered records in Portugal. Either would be a high-impact signing for Barça, but the problem lies in their high price, which could pose an obstacle for the blaugrana entity.
Fair Play Raises Doubts
The main drawback for Barça is the cost of these signings. Both Isak and Gyökeres have a price that hovers around or exceeds 100 million, a figure that currently seems unattainable for the club. Although the 1:1 rule has been met, the doubts about the viability of the VIP box operation at Camp Nou concern Barcelona.
La Liga hasn't given the definitive green light to this operation, and if it is not approved as Barça expected, the club's margin in the market would be reduced. Without a clear economic solution, the options to sign Isak or Gyökeres become complicated and Barça is already looking for more affordable alternatives.
60 Million for the Alternative
In this situation, the club has begun to consider more economical options, and according to 'El Nacional.cat', the main candidate is Mateo Retegui. The Atalanta forward has been one of the great revelations of Serie A and has caught the attention of several major clubs. With 24 goals and 5 assists in 38 matches, he has proven to be a '9' with goals, mobility and the ability to play with his back to the goal.
Retegui would have an approximate cost of 60 million euros, a more accessible figure for Barça if it manages to maintain the 1:1 rule. Additionally, his age and room for progression make him an interesting bet for the future. The sports management remains very alert to his evolution and, if the option to sign Isak or Gyökeres becomes complicated, the Italian could become the chosen one.