FC Barcelona continues to balance its ongoing success on the pitch with long-term planning for the future. The club’s sporting director, Deco, and his team are already thinking ahead to the summer of 2026, a key period when Robert Lewandowski’s contract expires. As the Polish striker nears the end of his journey at Camp Nou, Barcelona’s top priority has become clear — to find a reliable, talented center forward who can lead the line for years to come alongside rising prodigy Lamine Yamal.
Looking Beyond the Present
Barcelona have made steady progress this season, combining youthful energy with veteran leadership. The current project under Hansi Flick is showing signs of stability, but those in the sporting department understand that true success requires forward thinking. Planning for Lewandowski’s eventual departure is a top priority, as his goals, experience, and influence will not be easy to replace.
Discussions inside the Camp Nou offices have focused heavily on potential replacements. While the idea of signing a global superstar continues to tempt club president Joan Laporta, financial reality paints a different picture.
Laporta’s Big Dream vs. Financial Reality
Joan Laporta has always been drawn to marquee signings that capture worldwide attention. During his first presidency, he brought in Ronaldinho, a move that transformed Barcelona’s global image. More recently, his signing of Robert Lewandowski in 2022 was seen as a statement of ambition — proof that Barça could still attract elite names despite financial challenges.
Now, with the 2026 election period on the horizon, Laporta once again dreams of unveiling a high-profile signing to energize supporters and project an image of strength. The names circulating within the club — Erling Haaland and Julián Álvarez — are enough to excite any fan. Both are world-class strikers with proven track records and global appeal.
However, the financial landscape makes such deals nearly impossible. Barcelona are still not operating under the La Liga 1:1 Financial Fair Play rule, meaning every euro spent must be balanced by equivalent savings or income. Big-money transfers would require major sacrifices elsewhere.
Haaland and Álvarez: The Impossible Targets
The possibility of signing Erling Haaland has been a topic of fantasy for Barcelona fans since his breakout years at Borussia Dortmund. Now at Manchester City, Haaland is arguably the most sought-after striker in world football. Yet, according to English reports, the total cost of acquiring him — including transfer fee, wages, and commissions — could exceed €150 million.
That figure alone places him far beyond Barça’s reach for now. Even with creative financial strategies, such a move would risk destabilizing the club’s recovery process.
Similarly, Julián Álvarez, also at Manchester City, has become an essential player under Pep Guardiola. His work rate, versatility, and finishing ability make him an ideal fit for Barcelona’s style of play, but again, his price tag would be extremely high. For now, such “galactic” options remain more dream than reality.
A New, Realistic Strategy
Faced with these constraints, Deco and his team have shifted focus toward a more pragmatic approach. Instead of chasing the biggest names in world football, Barcelona now aim to find top-level talent already proven in La Liga — players who understand the competition, have strong development potential, and can be signed for a reasonable fee.
The logic is simple: a player already accustomed to the Spanish league will require less adaptation time and could deliver immediate results. Furthermore, with the club’s focus on nurturing young stars like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, and Fermín López, adding a young striker from within the league fits perfectly into the club’s long-term vision.
The Rise of Etta Eyong
According to scouting reports, the most promising option is Etta Eyong, a powerful and technically gifted young striker currently playing for Levante. In just a few weeks, Eyong has become one of the revelations of La Liga, impressing fans and analysts alike with his strength, composure, and finishing ability.
At only 20 years old, Eyong has already scored four goals in seven matches, a remarkable start for a player competing at the top level for the first time. His performances have not only sparked excitement among Levante supporters but have also drawn attention from several of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Barcelona scouts have been closely monitoring his progress, and reports suggest that Deco has made Eyong his top target for 2026.
Why Eyong Fits the Barça Model
Etta Eyong represents everything Barcelona are looking for in their next striker. His profile combines the physicality to compete with defenders, the intelligence to link up with teammates, and the instinct to score in crucial moments.
More importantly, Eyong is financially attainable. Unlike the astronomical costs associated with Haaland or Álvarez, signing Eyong would require a far more manageable investment — one that fits within Barcelona’s current economic structure. According to E-Noticies, Barça plan to make a “significant but affordable” offer to bring him to Camp Nou once the transfer window opens.
This approach aligns perfectly with the club’s new philosophy: building sustainably while remaining competitive. Rather than chasing impossible dreams, Barça want to secure young, hungry players who can grow into global stars under their system.
Preparing for Life After Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski has been an instrumental figure since joining the club. His leadership and consistency have guided a young Barcelona side through a transitional era. However, at 37 by the end of his contract in 2026, the Polish striker is nearing the twilight of his career.
The club’s plan is to allow Lewandowski to continue leading the attack for the next two seasons while gradually preparing his successor. This ensures a smooth transition and prevents the team from facing a sudden void in one of the most crucial positions on the pitch.
If Eyong joins as planned, he could learn directly from Lewandowski during his final season, benefiting from the veteran’s experience and professionalism before fully taking over as Barcelona’s number nine.
Building a Future Around Youth and Identity
Barcelona’s long-term vision is clear: combine homegrown youth with strategic signings. The emergence of talents like Lamine Yamal and Pedri, along with Eyong’s potential arrival, suggests that the next generation of Barça’s attack could already be taking shape.
This approach also reflects the club’s traditional values — emphasizing development, intelligence, and collective play over expensive, short-term solutions. With a stable financial foundation and careful planning, Barcelona can return to both economic health and sporting dominance in the years ahead.
Conclusion
While dreams of signing global icons like Haaland or Álvarez will always capture headlines, Barcelona’s true path forward may lie closer to home. In Etta Eyong, the Catalan giants may have found the perfect blend of potential, performance, and affordability.
If the move materializes, Eyong could soon join the likes of Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi as pillars of Barcelona’s next great era — one defined not by extravagant spending, but by smart planning and long-term vision.
For now, the message from Camp Nou is clear: the future begins today, and it may just wear the colors of Levante’s young sensation, Etta Eyong.
