Robert Lewandowski has once again asserted his authority at FC Barcelona amid a historic season for the Catalan club. After a campaign with more doubts than certainties, the Polish forward has replied with goals and leadership, proving that he still has plenty of energy left. At 36 years old, Lewandowski has reached impressive numbers, has had his best season since arriving at Barça, silenced the critics, and confirmed that he remains a lethal forward.
In that sense, the club's decision to keep him despite the rumors circulating during the last transfer window has been a wise one. Both Joan Laporta and Deco, along with Hansi Flick as coach, trusted his experience to lead the team in a transitional season. However, time doesn't stop, and although his level remains high, Barça is already starting to look toward the future.
A World Star to Replace Him
One of the names that has emerged most strongly on the Catalan club's radar is Viktor Gyökeres. The Sporting Lisbon forward is having an outstanding campaign and has already scored 52 goals this season, clearly surpassing Robert Lewandowski's numbers. His performance has attracted the interest of several major European clubs, and Flick has taken notice.
According to sources close to the club, the German coach has spoken with Deco about the possibility of signing the Swede as a present and future option for the attack. Gyökeres is not only a relentless scorer but also fits the physical and competitive profile Flick seeks in his project. Although he is not yet among Barça's priorities, his name is already on the list of potential signings.
An Opportunity They Won't Let Slip Away
Gyökeres's great performance and his desire to leave Sporting this summer place the Catalan club at a crossroads. The opportunity is on the table, but so is the competition in the transfer market. Premier League and Serie A teams are also closely following him, so if Barça wants to secure his signing, they must act quickly.
Having a forward of that magnitude, even without immediately displacing Robert Lewandowski, would allow the Catalan team to gain offensive depth and plan an orderly transition in the forward line. The pressure of the schedule, rotations, and European demands make having two top-level strikers a necessity rather than a top-level. So far, the Pole has enjoyed a privileged position without real competition in his role, and the arrival of Gyökeres would mean a change.