Hansi Flick is fully aware that Barcelona need to sign a new striker, and he has asked the club to do everything they can to retain Robert Lewandowski and extend his contract, which expires next June.
However, Flick understands that President Joan Laporta and Deco are facing some doubts, especially since the 36-year-old cannot remain at the club forever, despite his impressive levels and remarkable numbers.
On the other hand, the Polish star’s personal desires must also be taken into account, as he may decide to leave Camp Nou in 2025 in order to sign a lucrative contract at a new destination, away from media pressure.
In this context, Lewandowski has received attractive offers from Saudi Arabia, as well as from Qatar and the United States. This could create a huge void in Barcelona’s ranks, which would require the signing of a world-class striker.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional”, it is no secret that Flick has a special candidate in mind: Victor Gyökeres.
Initially, some thought Gyökeres was just a “one-season wonder”, a player who has an exceptional season and then disappears, similar to Luka Jovic or Krzysztof Piątek.
But the Sporting Lisbon star proved otherwise, having an even more impressive second season than the first, becoming the best player in the Portuguese league and helping his team win the title.
His performances against Premier League champions are also starting to be widely praised, as he destroyed Manchester City with a hat-trick, and Pep Guardiola now views Gyökeres as a serious threat.
The numbers speak for themselves: Gyökeres has scored 23 goals so far this season, along with 4 assists in just 17 games. If he continues at this pace, he is a strong candidate to be the top scorer of 2024.
Flick is convinced that Gyökeres would be the ideal choice for Barcelona and the best fit to succeed Lewandowski in the team. That is why Flick has asked Laporta to pay whatever is necessary to complete the deal.
Although other names have emerged as potential replacements, such as Alexander Isak, Jonathan David, and Benjamin Šeško, Gyökeres is now Barcelona’s preferred candidate. It is reported that Flick has urged Laporta to pay the player’s €80m release clause to secure his move to Camp Nou.