Barcelona is already preparing for its next big '9': 2 top candidates

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21/10/25 21:00:00

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Although the season has just started, FC Barcelona is already thinking about summer 2026 with ambition. The main reason: Robert Lewandowski's contract ends in June of that year, and Joan Laporta's board knows that his renewal no longer seems secure.

The veteran striker is 37 years old, and his salary, physical performance, and the demands of modern football compel the Blaugrana club to look towards the future.

FC Barcelona and their search for a replacement before 2026

FC Barcelona is already working on the idea of incorporating a center forward who can take on the starting role when Lewandowski begins to give way or decides to end his time at the club. It's not just about goals but also offensive leadership, the ability to connect with wingers, and meeting the club's financial demands.

Laporta and his sports board have two names well above the rest, which have been gaining strength in recent months. They both bring technical admiration as well as financial complications:

Julián Álvarez, the realistic option

Julián Álvarez, an Argentine forward from Atlético de Madrid, emerges as the most viable alternative for Barça. The player is under contract until 2030, and his value has increased after a brilliant start: early goals, good physical condition, high-pressure play, effective runs, and the ability to connect with an offensive style of play.

Atlético does not consider selling him, which makes the operation more expensive. Additionally, his release clause amounts to very high figures. Laporta and his team are expected to consider an outlay close to 200 million euros if they want to convince the Rojiblancos. Barcelona could free up salary cap space by parting ways with or reducing Lewandowski's contract in 2026 to help finance part of the signing.

Erling Haaland, the complex dream

The other name that excites FC Barcelona is Erling Haaland; a forward with a different profile than Álvarez, with more physical power, speed in open spaces, and a brutal scoring ability. But the obstacles here are more significant. Haaland renewed with Manchester City until 2034, making him practically untouchable without a massive operation and very complex negotiations.

According to reports, Laporta dreams of him as the star signing, not only for his on-field contributions but also for his media impact. However, the cost and contractual conditions with City, along with the lengthy existing contract, make it the most distant option given Barça's current financial reality.

A challenge with multiple fronts

-Lewandowski's contract: his link with Barça expires in June 2026. There's a clause that requires the club to decide whether to keep him for another year depending on his performance in games.

-Finances: reducing salary budget, freeing up financial space, and meeting financial rules will be crucial for any high-profile signing. In Álvarez's case, besides the transfer fee, negotiations must be held with Atlético. For Haaland, the operation would involve an immense investment.

-Club elections: the summer of 2026 will be election time for the presidency of FC Barcelona, and a top-tier signing would serve as a political and sporting coup.

In conclusion, Barça faces a significant market challenge. While Julián Álvarez emerges as the most realistic option—albeit costly—Erling Haaland remains the big desire, but with formidable barriers. What is clear is that the Catalan club refuses to let time pass without securing a reliable replacement in the forward line. The future depends on both what Lewandowski can continue to deliver and what Barça can achieve financially and institutionally.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Barcelona ya prepara su próximo gran ‘9’: 2 candidatos top