By L. Miguelsanz. Date: 10 February 2026, 9:20. Barcelona is entering decisive months of squad planning: despite upcoming club elections, sporting leaders and the coaching staff intend to take the first steps that would be implemented if Joan Laporta is re-elected. The club is determined to sign a top-level centre forward this summer, and the current debate focuses on which of the current forwards will act as his partner next season.
The choice is essentially between Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, and one of them is expected to leave. The signing to come will be strategic and costly; several names are on the table beyond Julián Álvarez, who is a primary target, and Barcelona would not rule out other opportunities that might arise on the market from June onwards.
Barcelona aims to have depth up front, so they also need a striker who can finish chances. Lewandowski, whose contract expires on the upcoming 30 June, has offered to remain under financially favorable terms for the club and is willing to accept a more secondary role. He has several lucrative offers outside, but remains open to staying. His age — 37 — weighs on the decision.
Head coach Hansi Flick holds Lewandowski in high regard and will have the final say on his future, which will depend largely on the Polish striker’s performances in the decisive part of the season. Nothing is ruled out yet: the situation is open, and the player’s environment, led by agent Pini Zahavi, is pressing to secure his continuity.
Ferran has not yet begun renewal talks; his contract runs until 30 June 2027. He has produced an excellent campaign, scoring 16 goals in 31 appearances, while Lewandowski has 13 goals in 28 matches. Both players offer different profiles and are valued within the club, but Ferran could bring economic return if sold — something impossible with Lewandowski given his situation.
Ferran is keen to remain: he feels increasingly comfortable at Barcelona and believes he still has room to improve. However, he knows that if Lewandowski were renewed, his opportunities to start could be significantly reduced. For now, there have been contacts about Ferran’s renewal but talks are on hold pending final decisions.
Ultimately, which forward will be the main striker for Hansi Flick in the decisive phase depends on their performances for the rest of the season and on the club’s transfer decisions: whether to keep one of the current forwards, sell one to fund a new centre forward, or give Lewandowski another year under special conditions.
