Barcelona's search for a new No 9 — and what it means for Rashford and Lewandowski

Barcelona’s summer agenda is already crystallising around one pivotal question: who will lead the line once Robert Lewandowski’s contract expires in June? The 37-year-old Pole, who has delivered 115 goals in 179 games since arriving from Bayern Munich in 2022, is widely expected to depart, forcing sporting director Deco and his staff to confront both footballing and financial realities inside the Camp Nou.

While no final call has been taken, senior club sources tell The Athletic that the decision will be performance-led. Lewandowski has started only 11 of his 22 La Liga appearances this season; the club believe the moment is approaching for a younger successor. Ferran Torres, signed to be that bridge, has not convinced. The 25-year-old’s 16 goals in 35 games look respectable until the detail is unpicked: one league goal since the turn of 2026 and just three in his last 18 matches. With 15 months left on his deal and no renewal talks scheduled, Torres’ future is as uncertain as the role he was supposed to inherit.

Deco’s preferred solution sits at the very top of the market: Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez. The Argentina international, valued by CIES at €112-130 million, is under contract until 2030 and, despite a modest return of one Liga goal since November, remains admired inside Barça for his pressing intensity and ability to operate between the lines. Confidence exists that the player would welcome the move, yet Atlético have no pressing need to sell and could easily out-price the Catalans.

If Álvarez proves unattainable, attention will swing to a second tier of targets that includes Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen and Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, both 27. No formal discussions have opened with either club, and every approach will be filtered through La Liga’s 1:1 salary rule, which Barcelona expect to hit this summer once a projected €12 million in wages is cleared from the books. Treasurer Ferran Olive underlined the optimism last week, insisting the club are “actively looking” for a top-tier striker after their salary cap was raised to €433 million.

The centre-forward hunt runs parallel to, rather than in conflict with, plans to retain Marcus Rashford. Positive talks have been held with the England forward’s camp about triggering the €30 million buy option in his loan from Manchester United, structured as three €10 million instalments. Coaching staff regard Rashford primarily as a wide forward, meaning his anticipated arrival does not solve the No 9 vacancy but does fit Hansi Flick’s desire to keep five senior attackers in the squad.

Dani Olmo, signed from RB Leipzig in 2024, is viewed internally as a potential false nine, though an injury crisis has limited him to midfield and left-wing duties this season. La Masia, meanwhile, offers no ready-made candidate.

Final strategy will hinge on the outcome of presidential elections on 15 March. Joan Laporta, seeking re-election, is expected to keep Deco in post and maintain the current sporting roadmap. Challengers Víctor Font and Marc Ciria have signalled they would appoint a new sporting director, potentially stalling long-term planning.

For now, the brief is simple: identify a marquee striker who can succeed a club legend, survive the scrutiny of a limited budget, and keep Barcelona competing at the sharp end of European football.