Barcelona identify 27-year-old Serie A star as long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski: Reports
Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Lautaro Martinez as a potential replacement for veteran striker Robert Lewandowski. They could look to make a move for the Argentine next summer and could initiate talks with Inter Milan.
Barca signed Lewandowski from Bayern Munich for a reported fee of €45 million in the summer of 2022. He helped them win the La Liga title and the Supercopa de Espana in his first season, contributing 33 goals and eight assists in 46 games across competitions. He then registered 26 goals and nine assists in 49 games last season as they went trophyless.
Lewandowski has started the 2024-25 season well, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in eight games across competitions. However, he will turn 37 years old in August next year. Hence, as per Inter Live (via Barca Universal), Barcelona president Joan Laporta is looking to sell him next summer. The Polish striker's contract expires in 2026.
Barca have identified Lautaro Martinez as a potential replacement and are willing to open initial talks with Inter Milan. He was excellent last season, helping the Nerazzurri win the Serie A and the Supercoppa Italiana, contributing 27 goals and seven assists in 44 games across competitions. He was also the top scorer at Copa America 2024 with five goals as Argentina won the trophy.
However, the 27-year-old hasn't scored at the club level in his last 12 games going back to last season. Hence, as per the aforementioned report, Inter Milan would be willing to sell Martinez next summer if his form doesn't improve.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick hints at rotating Robert Lewandowski & Raphinha against Osasuna
Barcelona are set to face Osasuna at the El Sadar Stadium in La Liga on Saturday, September 28. In his pre-match press conference, Hansi Flick suggested that he could rest senior players like Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, saying (via Barca Universal):
"There will be some rotation, we must do it. We need the experienced players too. Raphinha and Lewy."
Lewandowski has started in all eight games for Barcelona across competitions so far this season. He's only missed a combined total of around an hour across the eight matches. He's scored seven goals and provided two assists in that time.
If he doesn't start against Osasuna, the Blaugrana could use Pau Victor or Ferran Torres as a striker. They have won all of their league games so far and sit atop the table with 21 points.