The most sought-after piece for Barça's forward line
Lewandowski, Ferran and Rashford have different situations, but it is probable that none of the three will continue as blaugrana
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 started to emerge at City with Pep Guardiola and which he has ended up making his own at Barça, the sporting leadership is clear that the "nine position does not lie with the Valencian nor with 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 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 Marcus Rashford's movements and has a great relationship with Joan Laporta–, has the blaugrana president's commitment that, if he wants to continue for one more season, he will be able to do so.
However, the renewal offer that the club has presented him is, according to sources consulted, "clearly a reduction" 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, in 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 current feeling at the club is that he will not stay. Not because he has to accept a significantly reduced salary, but due to 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 the 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 is different for Ferran, who has one season left on his contract, but Barça has already made its position clear: they have not offered him a renewal. 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 national team coach Luis de la Fuente and will play in the World Cup, a showcase that Barça is confident will work in their favor to profit 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 by not offering him a renewal, Barça has made its stance clear.
If the blaugrana entity needs to free up positions and salary cap space, it is because, even if the numbers add up at the end of the season, reaching the 1:1 rule does not automatically solve the problems. More things are 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 rule 1:1 does not automatically solve problems.Alternatives for the winger
Thus, 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 one of 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 retains buy-out options for the latter two – it maintains 40% of Virgili's rights and 50% of Abde's –, while Madrid has one for the former.
Properly surrounding Lamine Yamal is the priority, while for the left-sided center-back position the chosen one is Alessandro Bastoni. As for João Cancelo, his wish 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 affect the football market in this area of the planet.