FC Barcelona Begins to Define Their Moves to Strengthen the Attack. With Robert Lewandowski entering the last year of his contract, the sports management sees it as urgent to find his successor. One of the names most mentioned in the club's offices is Viktor Gyökeres, a Swedish forward from Sporting Lisbon, who is having a great moment in Portugal.
Gyökeres, a Serious Option for Lewandowski's Replacement
The 25-year-old forward has excelled this season and has attracted the interest of several European clubs. His physical strength, scoring ability, and consistency make him an ideal profile to lead the blaugrana's offensive front in the coming years. Although his release clause is around 100 million euros, Sporting would be willing to negotiate his departure for a significantly lower amount.
According to the Portuguese outlet A Bola, the Lisbon club would consider a sale for an amount between 65 and 75 million, as recognition of the player's good performance. In any case, Gyökeres will have several offers on the table, as there are also Premier League clubs very interested in acquiring his services.
Barça's Plan: Reduce the Price with a Swap
Given Barça's economic context, tackling a direct transfer for that amount is complicated. Therefore, the sports management, led by Deco, is working on a formula to make the operation cheaper. The proposal involves including players in the negotiation, and there are two key names on the table.
The first is Francisco Trincao, currently on loan at Sporting, with 50% of his rights still in Barça's hands. That part of the pass, valued between 15 and 20 million, could be used as part of the payment. The second piece of the possible swap would be Ansu Fati, whose future at the club is in doubt and whose entourage sees a new stage in Portugal favorably.
Barça's idea is clear: offer Trincao and Ansu Fati to reduce the total cost of Gyökeres's signing by up to 30 million. With that reduction, the club could close the operation for a much more manageable figure, around 40 or 45 million euros net. This alternative allows the club to be competitive without further compromising their delicate financial situation.
Jorge Mendes, Ansu's representative, would have already started to pull strings to facilitate the operation. He has a good relationship with both clubs and would view a transfer that returns prominence to his client favorably. Meanwhile, Trincao feels comfortable in Lisbon, which would facilitate his stay at Sporting as part of the agreement.
Premier League Competition and Market Timing
Despite the blaugrana's interest, Barça is not the only one after the Swedish forward. Several Premier League teams are closely following his situation and would be willing to offer higher figures. In this scenario, the player's desire will be key to defining his destination, and his entourage has not yet made a decision.
For now, Barça has already made their first move. Although Gyökeres is not the only option being considered to strengthen the forward line, his profile is liked, and the interest is real. If the conditions are right, it is not ruled out that the club will move forward in the coming weeks to close his signing.