Barcelona faces a decisive stage in its sports planning. The sports management, led by Deco, is aware that the forward line must be renewed immediately. With Robert Lewandowski approaching 37 years old, the need to find a new offensive leader is now unavoidable.
The Polish footballer has performed at a very high level since his arrival, but the physical wear is evident. Flick doesn't want to mortgage the club's sporting future by trusting a striker whose career is nearing its final stretch. The fans, used to living through golden eras with top scorers, demand a replacement of equal stature.
In this context, several names have emerged that seemed destined to take on that role. Harry Kane, Bayern Munich's top scorer, was considered a candidate for months. Julián Álvarez, currently at Atlético de Madrid, has also been very present in the internal debates of the technical secretariat.
A need that goes beyond the market
The urgency for a new striker is not just a matter of age or wear. Barça knows that a competitive team in Europe needs an undisputed offensive reference. Without an elite scorer, the gap with major European rivals increases season after season.
The departure of young talents left an even greater void in the offensive area. Although players like Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres provide imbalance, neither of them yet has the authority to lead a world-class attack. The presence of a decisive "9" is considered essential to aspire to the Champions League.
In the offices, Joan Laporta and Deco have repeated the same message in private meetings. The club wants a signing that excites, a move capable of shaking up the international media landscape. For that, they're willing to make an unprecedented financial effort.
The shadow of financial "fair play"
The main obstacle remains the same as always: the salary cap. Barça has worked intensively throughout the summer to register players and balance its accounts. Operations such as the possible sale of Fermín or the departure of academy players with a buy-back option are part of that plan.
Even so, it is understood that a major investment in a striker would have a positive side effect. An impactful signing would attract new sponsors, boost jersey sales, and strengthen Barça's brand value. The gamble, although risky, could become a virtuous circle for the entity.
Club sources assure that the idea is not to improvise or rush into any operation. A medium-term plan is being designed to allow the signing of a superstar without mortgaging the future. That's why the options of Kane or Álvarez have been set aside.
The chosen one: a dream called Haaland
The name that has gained momentum in recent days is Erling Haaland. The Norwegian, who is already considered one of the best strikers on the planet, fits all the sought-after parameters. Youth, power, goal-scoring instinct, and a consistency that has allowed him to break records in England and Europe.
Barça assumes that the operation would be the most expensive in its history. It is estimated that the transfer could exceed €100 million (over $108 million), to which an astronomical salary would have to be added. However, within the board there is the conviction that such a move would return the club to the continental elite.
For now, there is no open negotiation, but there are initial contacts and a defined strategy for 2026. The club wants to prepare in advance and build the economic scenario that will allow it to face a signing of such magnitude. At Camp Nou, they're clear: if records are to be broken, it will be for a player like Haaland.