Barcelona faces a major challenge in identifying the future striker for the team, especially as one of its most prominent current players approaches the later stages of his career.
The sporting management, led by Deco, is evaluating available options in the market to appoint a suitable successor in the forward position. With an increasing number of names being suggested, the debate remains open between strengthening the attack with a top-class player or searching for an alternative that better aligns with the team’s philosophy and financial needs.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional”, one of the names that has been heavily discussed is Erling Haaland. However, some voices within the club have raised concerns about this potential deal.
Despite his status as one of the top scorers in the world, Haaland has faced criticism in England for his recent dip in form with Manchester City. He has gone through a goal drought in recent months, which has sparked questions about his impact on the team’s overall performance.
Moreover, his problems have not been limited to his lack of goals, but also his minimal contribution to the build-up of attacks. This has led some to believe that Pep Guardiola’s team might perform better without a traditional striker like him.
These discussions have reached Barcelona, where some members of the team believe that signing Haaland may not be a positive move compared to retaining Robert Lewandowski.
According to sources close to the Catalan club’s management, the trio of Raphinha, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal expressed their opposition to the deal in talks with Joan Laporta. They argue that replacing Lewandowski with Haaland could threaten the footballing identity that Barcelona has begun to rebuild under Hansi Flick.
The cost of the deal also presents a significant challenge. Signing Haaland is expected to require a hefty transfer fee, along with a large salary, which could further strain the club’s financial situation. Haaland’s direct and explosive style of play may not align with Barcelona’s emphasis on precise passing and collective play.
However, there are still supporters of the idea. For Laporta, signing Haaland would not only strengthen the attack but also send a strong message to the footballing world that Barcelona remains an attractive destination for top stars. Meanwhile, the club continues to explore other options in the market, such as Jonathan David and Victor Gökéres, whose playing styles may be more compatible with the club’s future project.