Barcelona sporting director Deco is facing mounting pressure as the January and summer 2026 transfer windows approach, with increasing calls for the club to secure a new striker.
These calls have intensified following reports that the club is unlikely to extend Robert Lewandowski’s contract beyond next summer. The veteran Polish forward has been linked with a potential move to Saudi Arabia, eyeing one final chapter in his career before retirement.
Lewandowski has been used sparingly by Hansi Flick this season, with Ferran Torres often preferred in the central attacking role. While Torres brings versatility and energy, many argue he is not a natural number nine and this has raised concerns among fans and club insiders alike, who fear that Lewandowski’s potential departure could leave the squad dangerously short in the striker position come next season.
Historically, the number nine shirt at Barcelona has been worn by some of football’s great goalscorers with Luis Suárez, Patrick Kluivert, Ronaldo, and Gary Lineker among them. That legacy only reinforces the belief that the club must urgently address the lack of a traditional center forward to lead the line.
Deco's comments during an interview on Catalunya Ràdio’s Tot Costa program have dampened fans' hopes of the club spending big on a new striker.
""You shouldn’t get obsessed with a ‘9’, you might be wrong. Maybe you can play without a ‘9’. It’s not the time to talk about signings. Ferran can play as a ‘9”"Deco
Yet, as the debate continues, one truth is becoming increasingly clear: everyone knows the real reason why Deco hasn’t signed a new number nine is there simply aren’t enough top-quality strikers available within Barcelona’s financial constraints.
The club remains in a fragile economic position, making high-profile moves, such as prying Erling Haaland from his lucrative contract or signing Julián Álvarez from a direct league rival, financially unrealistic.
Beyond those marquee names, the striker market offers little in terms of affordable, game-changing talent. Barcelona aren’t just looking for a goalscorer; they need a forward capable of influencing games single-handedly, much like Pedri, Raphinha, or Lamine Yamal have done in their respective roles.
Strikers in this age are few and far between. If the money issues were not a thing then a Harry Kane or a Alexandre Isak walking through the Camp Nou door is still a prospect many can see happening. A Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram or Serhou Guirassy are also not cheap options that the club are capable of capturing despite the continued links in the media.
Maybe, it is time for the club to look for an unearthed gem and polish him into a diamond.