Barcelona identify 3 strikers to replace Lewandowski including Premier League star and €100 million-rated man monitored by Liverpool: Reports
Barcelona have prepared a three-man shortlist to replace Robert Lewandowski, according to SPORT. The Polish striker is in the final phase of his career and the Catalans are now searching for his successor.
Lewandowski has shown no signs of slowing down under Hansi Flick, racking up four goals and two assists from six games this season. His contract expires in 2026, but he reportedly has to appear in at least 55% of Barcelona's games this season to trigger a year-long extension.
The situation has prompted the La Liga giants to consider their options and they have identified three candidates who can fill Lewandowski's shoes at Camp Nou. The first man on their wish list is the indomitable Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian has been outstanding for Manchester City since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. The 24-year-old is arguably the best goalscorer in the world right now, and has scored 99 times in 104 games for the Cityzens. However, he is also wanted at Real Madrid and could cost approximately €175m.
The Catalans also have their eyes on Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has gone from strength to strength of late at Lisbon. Last season, the Swede scored 43 times and registered 15 assists from 50 games in all competitions.
The 26-year-old has been in sizzling form this season as well and could be a fine replacement for Robert Lewandowski. However, Gyokeres is under contract with Sporting until 2028 and reportedly has a €100m release clause in his deal.
The final name on the list is RB Leipzig sensation Benjamin Sesko. The 21-year-old opted to sign a new deal with the Bundesliga club this summer, but could be on the move in 2025. He has scored two goals and set up two more from five games across competitions this season.
Arsenal had their eyes on the Slovenian this year and could return for him next summer. Sesko could also be a fine option for Barcelona, but his €65m release clause, as per reports, could pose a problem.
Can Barcelona afford Robert Lewandowski's replacement in 2025?
Robert Lewandowski arrived at Barcelona in the summer of 2022 from Bayern Munich and powered them to the La Liga title in the 2023/24 campaign. The 36-year-old has appeared 101 times for the Spanish giants to date, scoring 63 goals and setting up 19 more.
Ideally, the Catalans would like to sign Erling Haaland as the Pole's replacement. However, their poor finances are posing a threat to their plans. Barcelona are yet to return to La Liga's 1:1 Rule, which would allow them to spend openly in the market.
Unless their finances improve, the Catalans could struggle to sign any of their shortlisted targets.