Barcelona leads the La Liga standings with 76 points, and Hansi Flick’s team hopes to secure the title at the end of the season. The Catalan team is preparing for a crucial Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid next Saturday.
According to reports from the Spanish newspaper ‘‘El Nacional‘‘, Ferran Torres’ recent performances have sparked controversy within the Barcelona dressing room, not just among fans or the media. Several club officials, led by Raphinha, have expressed their admiration for the player’s performance, believing he is ready to take over as the starting striker from Robert Lewandowski next season.
In several internal discussions, the Brazilian player expressed his belief that Torres has made a significant shift this season, describing him as more mature, effective, and focused. His physical development has also been remarkable, as he now possesses greater attacking power inside the penalty area and has developed a keen eye for goal. This improvement has led Raphinha, along with teammates Pedri and Gavi, to believe that the former Valencia striker could be the deciding factor in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid and the Champions League clash against Inter Milan.
Despite his status as a professional and club legend, Lewandowski will turn 37 in August and has begun to show a decline in his form. Despite his tactical contributions and experience, his ability to make a difference in the final third is no longer as decisive as it was in previous seasons. This decline has opened the door for new players, and Ferran Torres appears to be the most prominent option at the moment.
Raphinha’s view is not an individual opinion; it reflects a growing trend within the dressing room, where an increasing number of players see Ferran Torres as the natural heir to the center-forward position. His commitment, performance, and professionalism have made him a trusted option. If he continues at this level, it is not unlikely that Ferran Torres, not Lewandowski, will be Barcelona’s starting striker by August 2025.