Center-back or center-forward? Barcelona make transfer decision

Barcelona have settled on their primary target for the approaching summer window, electing to place the search for a new center-forward ahead of any reinforcement at center-back, according to a report in Diario Sport.

With planning for the 2026-27 campaign accelerating, the club’s hierarchy had identified both positions as areas of need, but internal discussions have now concluded that attacking reinforcements are the “absolute priority.” Sources close to the deliberations cite the imminent return of Ronald Araujo from injury, the likelihood of triggering a one-year extension for Andreas Christensen, and the continued presence of Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde and Gerard Martin as evidence that the squad is adequately stocked in central defence.

In contrast, the situation at the sharp end of the pitch is viewed as increasingly urgent. Robert Lewandowski will turn 38 this summer and, although the veteran striker has accepted a squad role, the club have not yet committed to retaining him beyond the current season. The uncertainty surrounding the Pole’s future has accelerated the need to secure a long-term solution at number nine.

The decision marks a clear strategic pivot for the Catalan giants, who will now channel scouting resources and financial muscle toward securing a prolific forward rather than balancing the budget across both departments. Whether that stance proves sufficient to keep Barça competing on multiple fronts next season will depend on how effectively the technical staff can land their preferred attacking target in the coming months.