Joan Laporta doesn't want to waste time. The president of FC Barcelona knows that it's especially important not to fail with the long-term replacement for Lewandowski and hopes to get it right with his next galactic transfer. Laporta is preparing a big investment in the '9' position, but he doesn't have enough to bring in his big wish, Haaland.
On the table, Fichajes.net has put the name of Lautaro Martínez for Barça. He's a player whose profile fits the Barça discipline and is at the best possible age: 27 years old.
He is number 9 for Inter Milan and Argentina. He has a contract with the Italians until 2029, although he would be willing to break it to play for Barça. Lautaro Martínez was close to playing in Spain years ago, but his move to Atlético ultimately fell through: a huge mistake.
Lautaro is valued at more than 100 million euros, so Laporta knows that he would have to dig deep into his pockets to secure his transfer.
Lautaro Martinez: Messi's Recommendation to Barça
Lautaro has been Argentina's starting 9 for years, where he's played alongside Messi. Number 10 is clear that his teammate and friend would fit perfectly in the team he loves. He is his recommendation to replace Lewandowski when he decides to hang up his cleats.
Lewandowski doesn't have many more years of soccer left and Laporta is preparing to replace him. There are many names on the table, but Lautaro Martínez is the only one who has the backing of someone as important as Messi.
Lewandowski Feels he Has Gas for More
Despite Lautaro Martínez's possible transfer, the Polish striker is clear that he has one or two more years of soccer left and he plans to make the most of them.
Robert Lewandowski will stay at Barça until his contract expires in 2026, then he'll decide what to do. Precisely in 2026, with elections in the offing, the president will try to play a big move, which could be Lautaro's, as an electoral card.
The automatic renewal clause in Lewandowski's contract will soon be activated, which will extend his current expiry date. Laporta doesn't want to fail with this move and it seems that Lautaro Martínez is gaining importance, with Messi's endorsement being very important to push the operation forward.
We'll have to see how everything turns out, there's plenty of time ahead and Barça are in no hurry.