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Not Haaland or Julián Álvarez, he's the best: Joan Laporta already has his '9' for €0

FC Barcelona has made a surprising decision that no one expected regarding the center forward position

FC Barcelona is already working with its sights set on 2026, when a deep change is expected in its forward line. According to "El Desmarque", the blaugrana club has made a firm decision regarding the future of its current leading scorer: Robert Lewandowski

The Polish footballer, whose contract ends on June 30, 2026, won't renew his deal with Barça. The sporting management believes his cycle at Spotify Camp Nou will have come to an end and will allow him to leave for free. This is a mutually agreed departure, aiming to open a new era in the center forward position. 

Haaland and Julián, options ruled out 

To define the future of the "9", Barça has thoroughly analyzed the international market. Top-level names have been on the table. Erling Haaland, Manchester City's star, always appeared as the first major option. However, signing him seems impossible: his price is astronomical (and his arrival would completely alter the Culer economy). 

Two players in the foreground, one wearing a white jersey and the other wearing a red-and-white striped jersey, both looking to the right
Neither Haaland nor Julián Álvarez will play for Barça | Getty Images

Another alternative was Julián Álvarez, currently at Atlético de Madrid and eager to leave. The Argentine offered youth, potential, and the ability to link up with Lamine Yamal. But the cost of the operation and doubts about his real fit have led the sporting management to rule out this possibility. 

There is already a chosen one

With these alternatives out of reach, Barça has opted for a much more realistic quality-price solution that it already has in-house. According to "El Desmarque", the sporting management has decided to place its trust in a player who is in full footballing maturity

The performance of Ferran Torres at the start of this season has been convincing: 2 goals in 3 matches, already making him an undisputed starter for Flick. At 25, he is at the perfect moment to take on the role of offensive reference. 

Ferran Torres, Laporta's big bet 

Barça has chosen Ferran Torres as its "9" for the present and future. The club's idea is clear: renew his contract before 2027, the year his current deal ends, and make him the team's offensive reference after Lewandowski's departure. 

FC Barcelona player with arms raised, greeting the crowd in a stadium
Ferran Torres, the chosen one | Getty Images

Ferran Torres brings speed, goals, and great defensive sacrifice, qualities that fit perfectly with Hansi Flick's style. In addition, he doesn't need an adaptation process, he has international experience, and he feels fully identified with the project. 

The idea with Ferran Torres is clear and, so far, he has replied brilliantly. Hansi Flick is delighted with the decision, and his great breakthrough as a "9" could save FC Barcelona many millions.