Barcelona are facing the final days of the transfer window certain that Robert Lewandowski will remain a blaugrana. The Polish striker, who started the season dealing with injuries and physical doubts, has managed to convince Hansi Flick to keep his leading role. That decision has had an immediate effect on planning: the club must say goodbye to a desired signing.
Joan Laporta had spent months searching for a center forward capable of guaranteeing goals for the future. The idea was clear: to find a top-level replacement who would ensure continuity after the Polish striker's era. However, Lewandowski's imminent contract renewal through 2027 changes all the plans previously set by the sporting management.
The situation is surprising because Barça had mapped out a very different roadmap just a few weeks ago. In the initial scenario, Lewandowski would fulfill his contract through 2026 and then make way for a new leader. With the change of plans, that strategic signing is now heading straight to Liverpool.
Lewandowski stays and shapes the planning
The Polish striker has expressed his desire to continue, convinced that he can keep performing at the highest competitive level. Flick has been clear with Laporta and Deco: if he keeps his physical commitment, he'll continue to play a key role. That determination has ultimately convinced the club that now isn't the time to look for an immediate replacement.
Talks with his camp are progressing quickly and everything suggests the renewal will be announced in the coming weeks. The club wants to reward the effort Lewandowski made in 2022 to leave Bayern. Despite his age, the German coach trusts that his leadership will be crucial in the Champions League and La Liga.
The direct consequence of this decision is that Barça must put aside the arrival of a top center forward. The club's finances also don't allow for major moves if the starter continues to occupy that position. Thus, the sporting management resigns itself to losing a target that already seemed very close.
Liverpool take advantage of the situation
The English club had been closely monitoring the same striker who had excited the offices at Camp Nou. After it was confirmed that Lewandowski will stay, Liverpool have sped up the process to finalize the deal. Their need to strengthen the attack has coincided with the perfect opportunity in the European market.
They've personally recommended this signing, convinced that he fits the English style. The Reds' board haven't hesitated to greenlight a major investment to secure an immediate goal scorer. With the Premier League at stake, the decision was clear: they couldn't let such an opportunity slip away.
In Barcelona, the news has come as a cold shower. This was the most desired striker for Laporta to start the new cycle. However, the Polish striker's continuity forces the club to prioritize other needs, such as strengthening the wings and shoring up the defense.
Goodbye to the Culer dream
The player himself, who had hoped to wear the blaugrana jersey, had shown a willingness to wait until the end of the season. He knew Barça needed to balance the books and trusted his time would come in 2026. However, Liverpool's call, with an irresistible sporting and financial offer, changed all the plans.
From England, reports indicate that the deal is practically done and the transfer will be announced within days. The signing will be around €80 million, a figure manageable for a club with strong financial muscle. Barça, meanwhile, will have to resign itself and accept that there won't be a reinforcement of that caliber.
Laporta has already accepted it and has told his inner circle that the priority will be to keep Lewandowski. The Polish striker will remain the attacking reference while Lamine Yamal and Pedri gain even more prominence. The excitement of having a new leader in attack is postponed for at least a couple more years.
Thus, after weeks of speculation and moves, the secret is now official: the player in question is Alexander Isak. The Swede, Newcastle's star and wanted by half of Europe, will finally move to Liverpool. Barça lose him for good, and with that, the great alternative planned for the post-Lewandowski era vanishes.