The summer of 2026 represents a defining moment for FC Barcelona.

With Robert Lewandowski’s departure confirmed—the 37-year-old is reportedly closing in on a move to MLS side Chicago Fire on a two-year deal—the Catalan giants face the monumental task of replacing one of the most prolific goalscorers of his generation. The search for a new striker has become the club’s single most important transfer priority.

Sporting director Deco and new head coach Hansi Flick have identified one man above all others: Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez. The Argentine World Cup winner is viewed as the “ideal profile” to replace Lewandowski, a player who could “reach even greater heights at the Camp Nou” thanks to Barça’s attacking style. Álvarez himself is understood to be enthusiastic about the move.

But there’s a problem. Atlético Madrid have no desire to strengthen a direct rival. They have stood firm, pointing to his release clause and showing no willingness to negotiate. Even Real Madrid’s €150 million bid was rejected outright. Barcelona’s current offer, just over €100 million, is considered insufficient. As Atlético president Enrique Cerezo bluntly put it, the club will not budge.

So, while Barcelona refuse to give up on their dream signing and “view the operation as a marathon rather than a sprint”, Deco is preparing alternatives. Here are the leading candidates.

The Blockbuster Names

Harry Kane: The Ultimate Statement Signing

Despite approaching his 33rd birthday, Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane remains one of the most admired names within Barcelona’s sporting department. He is regarded as one of the few strikers capable of immediately replacing the goals, experience and leadership lost with Lewandowski’s exit. According to SPORT, club officials have explicitly stated: “Let’s not take Kane off the list if the Julián deal doesn’t go through”.

The obstacles, however, are formidable. Bayern Munich have no intention of selling their star striker. As honorary president Uli Hoeness recently put it: “FC Bayern is a buying club not a selling club. Barcelona have no money anyway”. With a reported valuation of around €80 million or more and Bayern’s resistance, this remains the most difficult alternative to pursue.

Victor Osimhen: The Proven Goalscorer

The Nigerian international has rebuilt his career spectacularly at Galatasaray following a difficult departure from Napoli in 2024. Over the past two seasons, Osimhen has scored 56 goals in 70 appearances and remains under contract until 2029. At 27, he offers proven output and a high-profile profile.

Yet Barcelona have reservations. Concerns persist regarding his temperament, which contributed to his troubled exit from Napoli. As a result, he is not currently considered the leading option among the alternatives.

The Experienced Option

Dusan Vlahovic: The Free Transfer Opportunity

The Serbian striker’s contract with Juventus is expiring, making him available on a free transfer. This represents a significant market opportunity for a club with Barcelona’s financial constraints. At 25, he offers a blend of experience and prime-age potential.

However, Barcelona have doubts. Despite his pedigree, questions persist over whether Vlahovic is the right fit to lead the line at Camp Nou. The club do not view him as a suitable option to lead the attack.

The Youthful Prospects

Eli Junior Kroupi: The Teenage Sensation

The 19-year-old Bournemouth forward enjoyed a breakout debut Premier League campaign, scoring 13 goals. Barcelona’s sporting department has extensively tracked him throughout the season, viewing him as an elite long-term prospect.

The concerns are twofold. First, there are clear reservations internally about asking a teenager to shoulder the burden of replacing Lewandowski immediately. Second, Bournemouth are reluctant to sell and value Kroupi at around €100 million—a figure Barcelona “will not match under any circumstances”.

Benjamin Šeško: The Manchester United Question

The Slovenian striker moved to Old Trafford from RB Leipzig last summer for €76.5 million. Barcelona’s recruitment team, led by Deco, have long admired him. He has been mentioned among the alternatives should the Álvarez pursuit fail.

However, any move appears unlikely. Šeško has not met expectations at Manchester United, and the club are reluctant to sell a recently acquired striker. According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have no plans to pursue him.

The Tactical Fit

Mikel Oyarzabal: The Versatile Option

Real Sociedad’s captain offers something different. While not a traditional striker, Oyarzabal’s intelligence, versatility and ability to link play make him an attractive option for Hansi Flick’s tactical system. He scored 18 goals and provided four assists last season.

With a reported €75 million release clause, Oyarzabal may be the most realistic option from both a tactical and financial perspective.

Serhou Guirassy: The Release Clause Route

Borussia Dortmund’s 30-year-old striker has been linked with Barcelona for some time. The existence of a release clause in his contract—reportedly around €50 million for a select group of top clubs—could make a deal more straightforward.

Etta Eyong and Fisnik Asllani: The Long-Term Prospects

Levante’s Cameroonian forward Etta Eyong has been closely monitored by Barcelona, with the player himself keen on making the switch. His €30 million release clause could make him a cost-effective option. Meanwhile, Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani—a 23-year-old Kosovo international who has reached double-digit goals in the Bundesliga—has openly stated that Barcelona are his dream club.

The Reality

Barcelona’s search for Lewandowski’s replacement reflects the club’s broader financial and sporting challenges. Álvarez remains the dream—the player who offers the complete package for both the present and the future. But the financial and political obstacles are significant.

The alternatives offer different profiles: Kane provides immediate guarantees but is nearly impossible to prise from Bayern; Osimhen offers proven goals but comes with temperament concerns; Kroupi represents enormous potential but carries a prohibitive price tag; Oyarzabal offers tactical versatility at a more realistic cost.

As the transfer window progresses, Barcelona’s priority remains clear. But Deco and Flick are ensuring they have options ready. Finding the right man to lead the line has become one of the most urgent issues of Barcelona’s summer.