Barcelona will head into the 2026 summer transfer window with several key issues to address, most notably in their attacking ranks. Resolving Robert Lewandowski’s future at the club is just one element on sporting director Deco’s to-do list at the end of the season.
Barcelona’s well-documented financial situation will prevent them from making mega transfer signings during the upcoming transfer window. With that in mind, read on as we assess some of the areas Barcelona must tackle to ensure their attack can cope with the demands of next season and beyond.
Lewandowski’s future must be determined
While veteran striker Robert Lewandowski is still one of Barcelona’s most potent attacking weapons, his goalscoring output has diminished.
Lewandowski scored 27 goals in 34 LaLiga appearances last season, but has bagged just 13 goals in 28 games this time around. The Polish star will celebrate his 38th birthday in August and the club must decide whether it is worth keeping him around.
The question of how he is viewed by manager Hansi Flick will play a key role in their thinking. The German may decide it is time for a fresh start.
Lewandowski’s situation impacts other players currently at the club, as their roles could change if they decide to keep him on board.
Rashford has not done enough to warrant a permanent move
Marcus Rashford arrived at Barcelona with question marks hanging over him, but he is set to end the season as part of a title-winning squad.
His return of eight goals and seven assists in 30 league games is respectable rather than spectacular, and has left Barcelona pondering whether to make his loan move permanent.
Manchester United are reportedly unwilling to negotiate the €30 million purchase option, while Rashford’s excessive salary demands could be a sticking point.
His ability to play across multiple attacking positions is an asset, but you would be hard-pressed to argue that he has shown enough consistency for Barca to splash the cash on him.
Another loan agreement may be appealing to the LaLiga giants, although persuading United to approve such a deal may be easier said than done.
Cost-effective signings are Barcelona’s best bet
Barcelona may decide that moving on from Lewandowski and Rashford is their best option as it would provide them with some financial breathing space.
They have plenty of other players who can be deployed in attacking areas including Ferran Torres, Gavi, Lamine Yamal and Roony Bardghji. Brazilian star Raphinha is another option, although it may be prudent to part company with him if one of the top Saudi Pro League clubs comes calling.
His sale could allow Barcelona to replace Lewandowski with an elite-level striker. Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez fits the bill, but he would be too expensive, and Barcelona no longer have the appetite or the Financial Fair Play space to set new LaLiga transfer records.
However, Alvarez’s Atletico teammate Alexander Sorloth has a €35m release clause and could be a viable target. Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy is also an option.
Goncalo Ramos is another striker who Barcelona could move for this summer. He is unhappy at Paris Saint-Germain and could thrive in LaLiga.
Sorloth, Guirassy or Ramos would be cost-effective signings for the champions-elect and allow them to channel funds into other areas of their attack.
Ajax winger Mika Godts leaps off the page as a long-term solution for the left flank. Barca scouts reportedly watched his impressive performance during Ajax’s recent game against PSV Eindhoven.
Ramos and Godts would be shrewd additions for a club which needs to be prudent this summer, and it would be no surprise if they both signed for the club.
Zach Lowy is a freelance football journalist who has written for leading outlets like FotMob, BetUS, Apuestas Deportivas, and who has appeared as a radio and television guest for BBC, SiriusXMFC, and various other platforms. After pursuing a global sports journalism degree at George Washington University, Zach has been able to tap into his multilingual background and interview major footballing figures in Spanish and Portuguese as well as operate the weekly podcast ‘Zach Lowy’s European Football Show’ on BET Central.
