Barcelona may have to address the need for a striker sooner rather than later

Barca News Network

·22 September 2024

Barcelona may have to address the need for a striker sooner rather than later

There is no doubt that Robert Lewandowski is having a great start to the 2024-25 season. Hansi Flick, with whom the Pole has already worked in the past at Bayern Munich, is once again getting the best out of the striker, who already has four goals to his name in six appearances for Barcelona.

However, the fact that he is already facing the end of his top-level career in Europe can also not be ignored, as he is already 36 years of age. His contract with Barcelona is going to expire in 2026, and the Catalans need to plan for life after the Polish superstar.

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According to SPORT, the Blaugranes are already aware of the situation and are attracted by three players in particular to replace Lewandowski.

The name that is liked the most in the Catalan club’s offices is that of the Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland. The Norwegian is one of the most highly-rated strikers in Europe today. However, having a contract with the Citizens till 2027, getting him from the Premier League side will be very difficult for Barcelona.

One way in which this operation can materialise is if City are penalised for their FFP breaches, which can also result in Manchester City getting relegated from the Premier League. Even in such a scenario, Haaland would be one of the most sought-after players in Europe, and Barcelona will have to work very hard to get him.

In such a situation, another option that Barcelona have on their list is that of Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish forward is having a good season with Sporting Lisbon, as he has already scored nine goals in seven appearances. Several Premier League and other European clubs have made inquiries for him, and he is expected to cost around €100 million.

Lastly, the young RB Leipzig forward, Benjamin Sesko, is another option that entices Barcelona. His release clause of €65 million makes him the most affordable of these three options, while his youth and room for further growth also make him a very good future option.