FC Barcelona is preparing for the post-Robert Lewandowski (38) era. The top priority is one thing: signing a 'world-class No. 9 striker.' At the center of the shortlist is Harry Kane (33, Bayern Munich).
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported on the 22nd (Korea time) that FC Barcelona is pursuing the signing of a top-class striker as a Lewandowski replacement, and has set Julián Álvarez, João Pedro, and Harry Kane as top candidates.
Lewandowski has been the focal point of Barcelona's attack for the past four years. Wearing the Barcelona shirt, he helped lead the team to three LaLiga titles and Copa del Rey victories, among other achievements.
However, inside the club the mood is that preparations for the 'post-Lewandowski' era have already begun. Barcelona is reportedly determined to sign a top-class striker this summer.
The outlet said Barcelona will thoroughly review the possibility of signing the three forwards first, and that none of the three players have been excluded from the shortlist yet.
Kane is regarded as the most difficult signing. This season he helped Bayern win the Bundesliga and the German Cup and contributed to reaching the UEFA Champions League semifinals. He remains a key player for his team and his contract runs through 2027.
However, a contract renewal has not been concluded yet. Inside Barcelona there is reportedly slightly more hope for signing Julián Álvarez and João Pedro.
In particular, Álvarez has in recent public interviews left the door open about his future after moving from Atlético Madrid. His contract runs through 2030, but Barcelona has already conveyed its interest to Álvarez's camp.
The outlet explained that Barcelona is prepared to make a move if Atlético opens the door.
Barcelona's budget for signing a striker is reported to be about 100 million euros (about 176.1 billion won). João Pedro is also a consistent target of interest. Barcelona has directly conveyed its interest to the player's camp.
However, Chelsea is reportedly not willing to sell at the moment. Although he was not originally the top priority, as signing Álvarez becomes more difficult, João Pedro's importance is growing, analysts say.
Barcelona is maintaining its policy of signing a top-class striker for now. Kane, Álvarez and João Pedro are included in the first-priority group, and the club is reportedly preparing a "second shortlist" in case all signings become difficult.
However, the transfer market still has a long way to go. Priorities are likely to keep changing depending on circumstances.
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