The search for Robert Lewandowski's heir has become an absolute priority for FC Barcelona for months now. The Polish striker turned 37 this August and, although he is still performing at a high level, his cycle is nearing its end. Aware of this, Deco has explored the international market in search of the perfect replacement for 2026.
Among the first names, world-class stars emerged who seemed to fit the profile desired by Barça. Erling Haaland has always been at the top of the list, although his release clause made him financially inaccessible. Alexander Isak and Julián Álvarez were also top targets, but their clubs referred to unattainable figures.
Barça's strategy was to find a striker with experience, goal-scoring ability, and immediate impact at the elite level. The problem arose when they realized that current market prices were absolutely exorbitant and impossible to take on. With an economy still in recovery, Laporta couldn't make another financial mistake.
Other names also appeared in the reports prepared by the technical department in recent weeks. From Gyökeres, a reference in Portugal, to Benjamin Sesko, a young prospect with a great reputation in Germany, options that were considered. Even Luis Díaz was offered by his entourage, although he didn't fit as a pure center forward.
All these operations were ruled out for the same reason: the cost was too high for the current possibilities. Barça knows it must act intelligently and avoid deals that would compromise its future stability. That's why Deco began to study less high-profile alternatives but with immediate performance potential.
Laporta also expressly requested that they look for a profile capable of making a difference from day one. It wasn't enough to sign a promising youngster; someone was needed who could guarantee goals immediately. That requirement further reduced the options on the table and sped up the final decision.
The precedent set by Robert Lewandowski served as a reference for everyone within the blaugrana club. When he arrived from Bayern, many doubted his age, but he replied with goals season after season. With 42 goals in the last campaign, he remains the offensive leader of Hansi Flick's project.
However, Barça is aware that it can't wait forever and must plan ahead. Hence the need to secure a replacement before the time for definitive retirement arrives. The sporting department was clear that it had to avoid improvisation and work with foresight.
The arrival of a new striker not only aims to cover the future, but also seeks to create internal competition. Flick values intensity in training and wants Lewandowski to have a backup who forces him to keep his level. That competitive factor also influenced the final choice that has been made.
Unexpectedly, the name that has ended up prevailing doesn't belong to an emerging young prospect. Nor is it Haaland, Isak, or Julián Álvarez, who dominated headlines in the international market. The sporting management has surprised everyone with a much more veteran but equally effective choice.
The club has already given the green light to the deal and considers him the major offensive signing for 2026. The sporting reports back him, the numbers support him, and experience is clearly on his side. In an inflated market, finding a striker of this level is a real bargain.
The decision has been made: Barça will go for Harry Kane as Robert Lewandowski's replacement starting in 2026. The Englishman, currently Bayern's top scorer, will arrive at age 33 and with numbers that make him a total guarantee. The deal inevitably recalls Lewandowski's in 2022, a move that marked an era at Camp Nou.
