Barcelona have 2026 transfer plan in mind that may disappoint fans | OneFootball

Barcelona have found themselves starved of a big-money signings since their ‘economic levers’ summer allowed them to spend big. Their salary limit struggles, despite constant reassurances from the club that they are soon to be at an end, have severely limited their ability to bring in stars since.

In 2022, Barcelona spent €214m on new players, but in the subsequent three years, have an outlay of just €121.5m. Over that same period of three years, their total in sales has been €221.5m, illustrating the impact of the salary limit on their business.

Barcelona’s 2026 question mark

The major question on the horizon for Barcelona’s recruitment department, headed by Deco, is in the number nine position. Robert Lewandowski is out of contract, and at the age of 37, it seems unlikely they will look to extend his deal, given his high salary. Sport assure that both player and club have a separation in mind for next summer, but his replacement is far less certain.

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Over the last two years, as question marks surfaced over Lewandowski’s performances two seasons ago, and with his age mind, Barcelona have been linked to Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres – all three of which have moved this summer to Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal respectively. Since, there has been little in the way of strong links. Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland have been mentioned as names they like, but are likely to command fees of well over €100m.

Barcelona have replacement in mind

Fees that are well beyond Barcelona’s economy. The Catalan daily go on to say that as things stand, the plan at Barcelona is for Ferran Torres to be Lewandowski’s successor. With the Polish veteran coming back from injury, Torres has started all three of Barcelona’s games this season, and is set to dispute the starting spot this season.

There is no doubt that their salary limit situation is a factor in their thinking, although Torres has surpassed expectations as a striker. It is noted that this season is seen as something of a test for Torres, and depending on how he responds, the club could alter their plans. Torres is something of a divisive figure for Blaugrana fans. Despite his impressive form last season, a particularly fallow period under Xavi Hernandez brought no shortage of criticism.