Barcelona’s Search for Lewandowski’s Successor: Three Top Strikers Identified
FC Barcelona is actively planning for the future as they prepare for life after Robert Lewandowski. Despite the Polish striker’s exceptional performances this season—scoring an impressive 34 goals in 39 appearances—his contract is set to expire next year, and he will turn 37 in August. With these factors in mind, the club is already looking at potential replacements to lead their attacking line in the coming years.
Recent reports suggest that Barcelona has identified three top strikers as possible successors: Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig, Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, and Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP. These players have emerged as strong candidates due to their goal-scoring abilities, technical skills, and long-term potential.
The Three Forwards on Barcelona’s Radar
Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig)
At just 21 years old, Slovenian forward Benjamin Šeško has been making a name for himself in the Bundesliga. He has recorded 17 goals and five assists in 35 appearances this season, proving to be a rising star in European football. His combination of physical strength, speed, and technical ability makes him a highly attractive option for Barcelona. However, securing his signature could be a challenge, as he is under contract with RB Leipzig until 2029. This means Barcelona would need to negotiate a significant transfer fee to bring him to Camp Nou.
Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
Swedish forward Alexander Isak has been in excellent form for Newcastle United, scoring 22 goals and registering five assists in 32 matches this season. His versatility, dribbling skills, and finishing ability make him a strong candidate for Barcelona’s attacking plans. However, his contract with Newcastle runs until 2028, and the English club is financially stable, meaning they will not be easily persuaded to let him leave. If Barcelona wants to sign Isak, they may have to make a substantial financial commitment.
Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP)
Among the three potential targets, Viktor Gyökeres has arguably been the most in-form striker this season. The Swedish forward has been a dominant force in Portugal, scoring 39 goals in 40 matches for Sporting CP. His aggressive playing style, strength, and lethal finishing ability make him an exciting prospect for Barcelona. However, his transfer fee is estimated to be between €65-75 million, which could pose a challenge given Barcelona’s current financial limitations.
Could Barcelona Make a Move for Mohamed Salah?
In addition to these younger options, Barcelona is also reportedly considering a move for Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian winger has been in outstanding form, tallying 32 goals and 22 assists in 42 matches. However, signing Salah would require careful financial planning. His current contract with Liverpool expires this summer, but his €18 million-per-year salary is significantly higher than what Barcelona can afford under their current financial constraints. If he were to join Barcelona, he would likely need to accept a considerable wage reduction.
What Lies Ahead for Barcelona?
Although Robert Lewandowski remains a top performer, Barcelona is thinking ahead to ensure they have a reliable successor in place when the time comes. Whether they opt for a young and promising striker like Šeško, Isak, or Gyökeres—or explore the possibility of signing an experienced star like Salah—will depend on their transfer strategy and financial situation in the coming months.
For now, the Catalan giants are carefully evaluating their options as they search for their next prolific No. 9.
