The most sought-after piece for Barça's forward line

BarcelonaThe return of the Champions League quarter-finals to the Metropolitano made evident, once again, one of Barça's great shortcomings: the absence of a reference center forward who does not generate doubts in the starting eleven. While it is true that Ferran Torres performed at a good level in Madrid in a position where he began to emerge at City with Pep Guardiola and has ended up making his own at Barça, the sporting leadership is clear that the number "nine" position does not go through either the Valencian or Robert Lewandowski.

In fact, it is very likely that neither of the two footballers will continue next season. As for the Warsaw striker, he has an offer from the club to renew for one more year, but with very significantly reduced salary conditions compared to what he has received in the last four years as a blaugrana. Lewandowski, represented by Pini Zahavi – the same agent as Hansi Flick, who also manages the movements of Marcus Rashford and has a great relationship with Joan Laporta – has the commitment of the blaugrana president that, if he wants to continue for another season, he will be able to do so.

However, the renewal offer that the club has presented him is, according to sources consulted, "clearly reduced" compared to the salary levels he has received in four seasons as a blaugrana. The salaries the Pole has earned have been – as revealed by Cadena SER – 20 million euros gross (10 net) in the first season, 26 million gross (13 net) in 2023-24; 32 million gross (16 net) in 2024-25 and, this last one, 26 million gross (13 net). Lewandowski, who will turn 38 on August 21, has not yet communicated his decision to the club.

He wants to continue competing and knows that at Barça – where he has fluid communication with Flick – his role will diminish. The feeling right now at the club is that he will not stay. Not because he has to accept a significantly reduced salary, but because of the spirit of wanting to remain competitive in his final years of his career. Lewandowski does not want to be labeled as a substitute. He also has to finalize his decision with his family. He owns a property in Garraf – in the municipality of Sitges – and feels comfortable in Barcelona.

Julián Álvarez, the most desired

The situation of Ferran is different, who has one season left on his contract, but Barça has already made its position clear to him: it has not presented him with any renewal offer. A large part of the club's intentions with the Valencian player involve using him as a bargaining chip in the summer. The player from Foios has the confidence of the national coach Luis de la Fuente and will play in the World Cup, a showcase that Barça is confident will play in his favor to get a return in the market. Ferran has always expressed his desire to continue, but right now he is waiting for the club to make a move and Barça, by not offering him a renewal, has made its stance clear.

If the Blaugrana entity needs to free up spots and salary cap space, it's because, even if the numbers add up at the end of the season, reaching the 1:1 rule doesn't automatically solve the problems. More is needed. By reaching 1:1, they can spend everything that comes into the coffers. But, equally, they need to sell to generate the necessary income to sign players. reaching the 1:1 rule doesn't automatically solve the problems. More is needed. By reaching 1:1, they can spend everything that comes into the coffers. But, equally, they need to sell to generate the necessary income to sign players.

The most sought-after player is Julián Álvarez. Despite being the apple of the eye of president Laporta and sporting director Deco, the Argentine has a contract with Atlético until 2030 and a release clause of 500 million euros. Although he has never closed the door on coming to Barça –and, in fact, there are images of him from the past showing his clear sympathy for the Blaugrana colors–, the Mattress Makers will not sit down to negotiate for less than 100 million. Julián arrived in Madrid two seasons ago for 75 million, plus 20 more in variables. If Julián wants to come to Barça, he will also have to push to leave. "He has a contract," stated Enrique Cerezo, president of Atlético, two weeks ago, without mincing words.

Alternatives for the winger

Therefore, departures remain key to being able to face a renewal of the forward line in which Rashford's continuity is also not guaranteed. Although repeating the loan formula is not ruled out, at Barça they have many doubts regarding the cost of the operation: the 30 million it would cost to keep him permanently and the salary of a player who is among the highest paid in the Premier League. The club is considering activating lower-cost profiles, with three footballers with a past in the academy as the main alternatives: Víctor Muñoz (22 years old), Jan Virgili (19), and Ez Abde (24). Barça holds buy-out options for the latter two – it retains 40% of Virgili's rights and 50% of Abde's – while Madrid has one for the former.

Well surrounding Lamine Yamal is the priority, while for the left-sided center-back position the chosen one is Alessandro Bastoni. Regarding João Cancelo, his desire is to stay at Barça permanently. The footballer has already conveyed to his agent Jorge Mendes that he does not want to return to Al-Hilal. The Saudi club paid 25 million to City for his transfer and would release him for a figure around 15 million, but the war conflict in the Persian Gulf will negatively condition the football market in this area of the planet.