Barcelona's Haaland Obsession to Replace Lewandowski Could Backfire Spectacularly
Barcelona's sporting director Deco has emphasized that the club hasn't reached a conclusion regarding Robert Lewandowski's future while cautioning supporters not to become fixated on pursuing a marquee signing like Erling Haaland.
Lewandowski, who celebrated his 37th birthday in August, is entering the final year of his deal and clearly isn't a sustainable long-term solution. Manchester City's Haaland and former colleague Julián Alvarez, currently at Atlético Madrid, have both been mentioned as costly potential successors to the Polish striker.
The possibility of a brief contract extension for Lewandowski, who has netted four times in seven appearances this season, remains open though. Deco confirmed to Catalunya Ràdio that discussions will take place later in the season.
"We won't discuss contract renewals in October," he stated. "We're taking things gradually.
"[Lewandowski] ranks among the finest strikers in recent memory, an elite-level talent. He's contributed significantly to our success. He's found the net over 40 times, but we'll evaluate that situation down the line. Right now, our focus is on getting injured players back to fitness."
Deco: Barcelona May Not Even Sign a New Striker
Deco not only dampened rumors of Barcelona pursuing an expensive acquisition like Haaland or Alvarez to succeed Lewandowski, but also suggested that a traditional central striker might not be necessary.
Deco was thinking of Paris Saint-Germain's achievements with Ousmane Dembélé, naturally a winger, operating in a versatile position, alongside Ferran Torres, who has tallied five goals across all competitions in 2025–26, excelling in a comparable capacity.
"If someone presented me with a player of Lewandowski's caliber available for transfer, we'd pursue him," Deco acknowledged. "However, I don't believe now is the appropriate moment to discuss new signings.
"We currently have Ferran, who is capable of fulfilling that position. And we mustn't become preoccupied. Looking at PSG, they've secured a Champions League trophy without a traditional number 9 in the penalty area.
"Becoming obsessed with that concept is an error, and this isn't the right time for such conversations."