Barcelona drop curiosity in €75m-rated star as key renewal adjustments plans

Barcelona have made a agency resolution relating to their attacking choices for the foreseeable future. 

In keeping with a report from SPORT, the membership is not going to pursue a brand new centre-forward this summer season, successfully ending their curiosity in Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres. 

The Swedish striker had been on the radar, with negotiations explored to probably decrease his switch payment. Nevertheless, with Barcelona’s stance now clear, neither Gyokeres nor Newcastle United’s Aleksander Isak might be arriving in the summertime.

Why is that?

A key issue behind this resolution is Robert Lewandowski. The membership has already exercised the extension clause in his contract, securing his keep past the required variety of matches for activation. 

This transfer isn’t just a contractual formality however a powerful vote of confidence within the Polish striker. Each the sporting division and Hansi Flick see him as the first attacking choice shifting ahead, reinforcing his function because the membership’s undisputed quantity 9. 

Barcelona will proceed to depend on Robert Lewandowski. (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Photos)

Barcelona’s message to the market is evident—Lewandowski stays central to their challenge, which means they won’t spend money on one other centre-forward this summer season.

Flick trusts Lewandowski

The choice to retain Lewandowski was anticipated given his spectacular goal-scoring file and management on the sector. Regardless of turning 37 subsequent summer season, he continues to play at a excessive degree and stays a vital asset for the crew. 

Moreover, Barcelona have secured an choice to increase his contract for an additional yr till 2027, which might be reviewed based mostly on his performances subsequent season. 

His future past 2026 will rely upon a number of elements, together with his type, the crew’s success, and the membership’s monetary state of affairs.

At this stage, Barcelona additionally haven’t any plans to signal a backup striker on a free switch. It is because each Flick and Deco consider the squad already has sufficient firepower with Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, and Dani Olmo. 

*Participant valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on the date of publication.