FC Barcelona have a well-rounded squad to compete on all fronts in the 2025/26 season. Hansi Flick led the team to a domestic treble in 2024/25 and will be hoping to build on the foundation and bring back the elusive Champions League to the Nou Camp.
While the average age of the squad is quite low, the only position where Barcelona might need to focus very soon is striker. Robert Lewandowski has done well to defy age and continue to impress at the highest level, but he is in his final season under contract.
At 36, one can only take it one season at a time with the veteran Pole. He continues to be Hansi Flick’s number nine choice for the upcoming 2025/26 season, but in all likelihood, this might end up being his final campaign in a Blaugrana jersey.
Hansi Flick asks for a new striker
Now, as per Fichajes, Hansi Flick has asked the Barcelona board for a new striker by 2026, and Joan Laporta and Deco have lined up three options they could target in the near future. The club wants to sign a modern striker who would suit the German coach’s high-intensity system.
The first two options for Barcelona are Julian Alvarez and Alexander Isak. Playing for Atletico Madrid and Newcastle United respectively, their performances in the recent season have established them as some of the best number nines going around.
The report mentions that these two names might be more attainable in the near future, but a move this summer would be very surprising, while Lewandowski is still at the club. However, president Joan Laporta continues to have a dream.
Laporta’s dream
He wants to sign Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland. Arguably the best finisher in world football at the moment, the Norwegian has been breaking Premier League records for fun over the past three seasons, although his last campaign was ruined by injuries.
It is worth noting that there is something that might be going on here that transcends beyond just the sporting side of things. Laporta’s tenure as Barcelona president comes to an end in 2026, and it looks like he desires to be in-charge for another term.
Thus, signing Haaland in the summer of 2026 would be a massive power play from Laporta to get the socios on his side ahead of the next election. It could all depend on the club’s financial condition next summer, and let’s wait and see how things play out.
