At Barça, the summer of 2026 is marked in red as a key date to strengthen the squad with a signing for the forward line. The sporting management believes it will be the ideal moment to make a qualitative leap in the attacking area and find Robert Lewandowski's successor.
The idea is to take advantage of next year's market to bring in a world-class forward who will lead the blaugrana project during the second half of the decade.
Lewandowski's successor
Robert Lewandowski's contract ends in the summer of 2026, and although his performance has been decisive since his arrival, Barça are aware that they will have to plan for his replacement. The blaugrana club wants to make a statement and sign a major star, a move that would inspire and strengthen the team's competitiveness.
In this regard, the two standout names are Julián Álvarez, currently at Atlético de Madrid, and Alexander Isak, from Newcastle. Two exciting players who would represent a clear reinforcement for a forward line that would be completed by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Harry Kane, an unexpected candidate
In addition to these options, Barça also has an alternative in mind, according to El Nacional. This is Harry Kane, Bayern Munich's forward, who next summer will enter the final year of his contract with the Bavarian club.
Kane is one of the most complete forwards in the world, with proven goal-scoring ability and experience that would allow him to fit in immediately. His contractual situation could open the door to a more affordable negotiation compared to other names on the list.
A plan similar to Lewandowski's
Kane's possible arrival would follow a pattern that Barça already used successfully in 2022, when it signed Lewandowski from Bayern. Back then, the Pole was 33 years old (33 años) and had only one year left on his contract, which made it possible to finalize his signing.
In 2026, Kane would be exactly the same age and have an identical contractual situation. Although the priority is a young profile like Isak or Julián, Kane's alternative offers a more economical and secure short-term solution.