Barcelona see the signing of a top striker as viable if two key conditions are met; five candidates identified

Even though the summer transfer window is still a long way away, FC Barcelona are already busy chalking out plans to strengthen their squad for the next season.

At the top of the agenda for Deco & co. is the signing of a new centre-forward, considering Robert Lewandowski’s contract expires at the end of the season.

The possibility of signing a top-level striker is being explored, but doubts persist over the Catalans’ financial capability to pull off a signing.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona consider the signing of a top-level striker financially possible if the sporting department requests it.

The club’s economic area believes that it can structure a strategy to undertake a major investment, provided that certain conditions are met.

The key factor is freeing up the financial impact of Lewandowski, whose contribution to the La Liga fair play limit is €40 million. His exit would free up the necessary space in the salary cap to sign a top striker, covering both wages and annual amortisation.

Two key conditions need to be met

As per the report, two conditions must be met to make the signing viable. First, Barcelona must return to La Liga’s 1:1 spending rule, which would allow the club to reinvest the €40 million freed by Lewandowski’s exit.

Club sources indicate that Barcelona are already close to meeting the rule, awaiting payment of an instalment related to VIP seats expected in December. Investors ‘New Era’ are fulfilling their commitments and the club may bring in additional investors if required.

In the accounts for the 2024 to 2025 season, only €70 million of the agreed €100 million sale was included. The remaining €30 million would bring the club very close to the 1:1 threshold.

The second condition is designing a financial structure that allows the club to face the investment. Sources stated that projected revenue growth, driven by the expected full reopening of the Spotify Camp Nou, supports the plan.

Five options

The favourite target for Barcelona, for both present and future, is Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez.

With Erling Haaland out of reach due to his contract with Manchester City until 2034, Barcelona is studying other possibilities.

One is Harry Kane, 32, who has a €65 million release clause and is also appreciated by manager Hansi Flick. It would be a move similar to Lewandowski’s signing in 2022.

Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund and Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray are also well regarded. Etta Eyong is considered a low-cost alternative.