Deco admits Lewandowski is ‘almost impossible to replace‘ as Barcelona plan new No.9 | OneFootball

Last night, FC Barcelona celebrated their La Liga 2025/26 triumph with a dinner at a restaurant in Castelldefels. Alongside the squad and coaching staff, several club officials were also present to mark the end of a successful season in a more relaxed setting.

One of those in attendance was sporting director Deco, who spoke to the media, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, about the club’s plans heading into the summer transfer window and the direction the squad will take following recent developments.

The Portuguese executive was clear that the focus is now on strengthening the team following Robert Lewandowski’s announcement to leave Barcelona at the end of this season.

“Today is a somewhat sad day because Robert’s departure is being confirmed. It is almost impossible to replace Robert; he has been the best striker of recent years, and everything he has done at Barça during these years is very difficult to replace, but football is like this. Ferran came as a winger and has become a ‘number 9’, but now it is time to make decisions and start strengthening the team.”

When asked about possible replacements in attack, Deco avoided naming any specific targets, despite speculation around several forwards in the market, and made it clear that the club is keeping all options open.

“It is not a matter of profile. We do not rule anyone out, nor are we signing anyone.”

He also remained cautious when addressing the financial side of planning for the summer, including whether the club will be operating under the 1:1 rule, keeping the focus on internal work rather than external conditions.

For now, it remains to be seen what steps Deco and his department would take to replace Robert Lewandowski at Barcelona, but with his track record so far at the club, the fans can rest assured that he would find a satisfactory solution to this problem.