Barcelona name 'dream replacement' for Lewandowski

Suraj Radia

• 22 Sept 2024 13:00 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona are already considering life after Robert Lewandowski and the Catalan giants have a three-man shortlist to replace the Pole, headlined by Erling Haaland.

Lewandowski has started the new season in fine form, with four goals and two assists in his opening five La Liga appearances and the 36-year-old still has two years remaining on his contract.

However, Barca are aware that Lewandowski’s days are numbered due to his age and his status at one of the top earners at the club, combined with the final year of his contract only guaranteed if he plays 55% of the games this season.

READ MORE: Barcelona’s 10 most expensive transfers of all time

Consequently, Barca’s search for the team’s next number nine has seen three players ‘gain prominence’ with officials, although there is an understanding that the club’s ongoing financial turmoil, their ideal names are ‘more a dream than reality’.

That is according to SPORT, who claim Barca’s standout option is Haaland, although a transfer would only be possible if Manchester City receive significant sanctions in their legal battle against the Premier League.

City’s 115 charges of breaching financial rules could see the club expelled from the Premier League, which would undoubtedly see Haaland leave, however Barca are aware that they would face significant competition to sign the forward if they could even afford him at all.

Barca also considering moves for Gyokeres and Sesko

The second name on Barca’s shortlist is considered ‘more realistic’ in Viktor Gyokeres, who has a release clause of around €100 million in his contract at Sporting Lisbon.

READ MORE: Gyokeres transfer claim made as Sporting striker begins to ‘dispel doubts

The 26-year-old has started this season strongly with nine goals in seven games, leading to interest from the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, who could pose a significant threat to Barca.

Barca’s other target to replace Lewandowski would be Benjamin Sesko, with his youth and potential, combined with an appealing price tag, making him the club’s ‘most attractive’ option.

Arsenal pushed hard to sign Sesko this summer but the 21-year-old opted to sign a new deal with RB Leipzig, although it is believed to contain a release clause of around €65m which would make him one of the most coveted strikers on the market next summer.