Joan Laporta: Barcelona Not Obliged to Chase New No. 9 This Summer

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has cooled speculation that the club must splash out on a marquee center-forward ahead of next season, insisting that reinforcing the No. 9 position is “not mandatory” despite mounting talk that the Blaugrana are scouring the market for Robert Lewandowski’s long-term successor.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Laporta underlined the depth already at coach’s disposal, name-checking Ferran Torres and Lewandowski as “two great center forwards” while reminding supporters that other members of the squad can slot into the role. “Olmo, Rashford, Lamine Yamal as well, since he sometimes becomes versatile in the forward positions,” he said, signalling confidence in the existing personnel rather than urgency to spend.

Financial levers, according to the president, are workable should the right opportunity arise. “When it comes to making an adjustment in any position that represents an investment in a player, whether it’s a center forward, midfielder, defender, or goalkeeper, Barça has the capacity to do it. Whether it has to be done is another matter. Nobody forces us; signing players isn’t mandatory,” Laporta stressed.

The club’s footballing decisions, he added, remain anchored in sporting director Deco’s analysis. “If we see an opportunity in the market that Deco thinks could be interesting and would improve the squad, Deco will propose it to us, and we’ll decide. We’re very satisfied with the work Deco has done. He’s built an extraordinary, excellent squad.”

Barcelona’s stance appears measured even as questions persist about the striking department. Lewandowski will turn 38 this summer, and while Ferran Torres has contributed 16 goals across all competitions, he is still not widely viewed as an elite out-and-out striker. Julian Álvarez continues to be floated as the dream target, yet no offer has materialised.

Off the pitch, the Catalans continue to work toward activating the league’s 1:1 spending rule, a milestone that would grant greater flexibility in future windows. Meanwhile, the club retains a 20 percent sell-on clause in Abde Ezzalzouli, meaning any summer transfer involving the winger at Real Betis would deliver an unexpected cash injection.

For now, Laporta’s message is clear: Barcelona will monitor the market, but they will not be pressured into a high-priced purchase simply to fill a narrative.