The three scenarios Barcelona are facing with the centre-forward spot for 2026 – report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are already working on the construction of their squad for the next season because several issues must be addressed with time, planning and room to manoeuvre.

As has been well-established at this point, one of those issues is the No. 9 position. The sporting department, led by Deco, must make a major decision that will have direct consequences for the first team’s short-term.

With Robert Lewandowski’s contract expiring at the end of the season, there has been endless speculation about what Barcelona have planned for after the summer of 2026.

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, the La Liga champions have defined multiple possible scenarios for the centre-forward position for the next season.

Option 1: Lewandowski renews

The first major decision that Barcelona have to make would be on the matter of the renewal of Robert Lewandowski.

If he does not continue, the club would free up a significant amount of wage bill. However, his departure would also mean losing a proven goalscorer who, despite being 37, continues to produce strong numbers, with 42 goals last season and eight so far this season.

Lewandowski is no longer the undisputed starter, but he did manage to bench Ferran Torres for a few games in a row after a strong run of form following his return from injury. Furthermore, the striker is reportedly willing to accept a lower salary to continue as well.

Option 2: Back Ferran as the main man

Ready to be the main man? (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Hansi Flick told Ferran Torres last summer that he viewed him as his centre-forward, and the former Valencia forward has stepped up to the challenge.

Competing directly with Lewandowski for the starting berth, Ferran has scored 11 goals so far this season in La Liga, including a brilliant hat-trick against Real Betis this past weekend. Only Kylian Mbappe has scored more this term.

This means that Barça must decide, based on Ferran’s performance at 25 years of age, whether he is the clear bet for the No. 9 role, which would lead them to rule out going into the market.

Option 3: Sign someone from outside

Finally, going for a signing would be the third option. In fact, Barça’s initial plan was to sign a top-level striker. But one factor that has been ever-present in the club’s daily life in recent years enters the picture: the economy and financial fair play.

Entering the market to acquire a striker capable of matching or improving what Lewandowski or Ferran offer would require a major financial outlay.

The two most attractive forwards at the moment, Julian Alvarez and Harry Kane, could only join Barcelona for enormous transfer fees, something the club are not sure they will be able to afford next summer.