Change of plans as Barcelona consider in-house solution to replace Lewandowski in 2026 | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are beginning to plan for life after Robert Lewandowski, currently the team’s first-choice striker.

The Pole is in his fourth season at the club and his contract stands to expire on June 30, 2026. Although a short-term extension is not ruled out, the general feeling is that this could be the centre-forward’s final year in Catalonia.

As such, Barça’s sporting department, led by Deco, is preparing for the transition. It was previously reported that the La Liga champions intend to go big on a successor for Lewandowski next summer, with names like Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland being floated.

But, it appears that there is now a change of strategy as far as Barcelona’s idea to replace Lewandowski in 2026.

Ferran Torres the leading candidate

Indeed, according to SPORT, given the club’s economic restrictions, Deco is not banking on blockbuster signings.

As such, rather than investing heavily in a new No. 9 next summer, the new plan is to place their trust in Ferran Torres.

Ferran to replace Lewandowski in the long run? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Signed from Manchester City as a winger back in January 2022, the Spanish attacker has gradually morphed into a credible option as a central striker.

Though he continues to alternate between the flank and the No. 9 role, it is as a striker that he seems to have found his best fit.

As such, Deco now views Ferran as the leading candidate to succeed Lewandowski, even while Barcelona continue to keep an eye on the transfer market.

Manager Hansi Flick also believes in Ferran’s potential as a centre-forward, and the player is already repaying that faith.

After enjoying his best-ever career campaign in 2024/25, Ferran, in the opening three league matches of the new season, has scored twice while Lewandowski has been sidelined with fitness issues.

So, essentially, this season serves as an audition for Ferran Torres. With Deco and Flick behind him, it is up to him to prove he can become Barça’s long-term No.9. If he succeeds, the club will have found their solution in-house.