Barcelona's obsession with signing a world-class goalscorer is not new, but it is still far from being realised. Although names such as Julian Alvarez or Erling Haaland are very popular in the Catalan capital, they are currently impossible deals to complete. Manchester City and Atletico Madrid have both players under lock and key, and their departure is considered a real pipe dream.

Meanwhile, the club is working realistically on what it will be able to strengthen for the summer of 2026. The board has already marked three positions that it considers priorities: a centre forward, a left-sided centre-back and a winger to expand offensive options.

Lewandowski's heir is a top priority

The position of '9' is the most urgent to reinforce. In Barcelona they understand that the club's finances are still not in a position to afford exorbitant signings. That is why, although they dream of superstars, they are considering secondary and even tertiary alternatives, thinking of a replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

Names on that radar include Serhou Guirassy, Borussia Dortmund striker, and even Harry Kane, whose age could facilitate a less costly move.

A left-footed centre-back for January if the numbers allow

The next focus is on defence. The departure of Inigo Martinez left an obvious gap and the club does not rule out making a move even in January, provided that the numbers and Financial Fair Play allow it. The priority is a left-sided centre-back who can play an immediate role within Hansi Flick's system.

Barcelona is suffering from a worrying leak of goals this season and the board considers that a defensive reinforcement is urgent to balance the team.

Laporta ensures financial muscle, but with prudence

President Joan Laporta acknowledged that the club is going through a period of economic recovery that allows it to think about signings with greater freedom. "Today we can face the players you are talking about. We can face any operation we want to do... But we will not make decisions that destabilize the sporting structure," he said.

This message is in line with the club's stance: they can sign players, yes, but without putting at risk the financial stability that has been attempted to recover in recent years.

Big dreams, for now distant

Haaland renewed with Manchester City until 2034, in a historic and practically unattainable deal. Julian Alvarez is also not a real option after the change of ownership at Atletico Madrid, which further strengthened the Madrid club's stance.

Barcelona will keep a close eye on the market, with an eye on opportunities and plan B's that will allow them to strengthen a squad that needs immediate quality.