Robert Lewandowski will not be around indefinitely, despite Barcelona’s wishful thinking after his excellent performances this season. The Polish striker’s contract expires in June 2026, when he will be 37, and the club needs to find a reliable replacement.
The role of the number nine is critical to any squad. Goals are the most valuable commodity in soccer, yet they typically come at a steep price. That is why the sports management staff, managed by Deco, must meticulously plan Lewandowski’s successor. Although the Portuguese leadership has declared that strengthening the center-forward position is not currently a priority, the club is actively gathering information on potential alternatives.
Lewandowski was rested for the win over Mallorca, and Ferran Torres took over. The Valencian forward performed admirably, but he is more than just a number nine since, like Ansu Fati, who is presently sidelined, he can play in all three offensive positions. However, neither is regarded as a potential long-term option for Barcelona’s future center-forward position. The club is looking for a skilled goal striker.
Barcelona highlights two forwards as Lewandowski’s successors.
Jonathan David of Lille is one of the top prospects. The Canadian player has publicly voiced his desire to play for Barcelona. His contract expires in 2025, and he has yet to renew with his present club. These are two important advantages in his favor, but Barcelona is still determining if he fits their playing style and can become their primary striker.
David has 13 goals and two helpers in 19 games this season. He’s also been a standout in the Champions League, scoring against Real Madrid, netting two goals against Atlético in only 25 minutes, and hitting the target against Juventus. These performances and statistics indicate that he is capable of competing at the greatest level against top-tier opponents. Barcelona is now monitoring him and other candidates.
Viktor Gyökeres is also a contender. The Sporting Club striker is highly valued at Barcelona, but signing him would necessitate a large investment of almost $85 million. His release clause is for $106 million. Several big European clubs are also interested in him, particularly in the Premier League, where he previously competed but failed to make an impact.
This season, the Swedish player is establishing himself as a true goal scorer. In the Portuguese league, he has 16 goals in 12 games, and five in the Champions League, including a hat trick against Manchester City in five games. With 58 goals in 56 matches in 2024, he ranks among the highest goal scorers in recent years, and there is still more than a month left in the year.
