The clock is ticking for Barcelona as they face a critical juncture in their long-term strategy: finding the perfect successor to Robert Lewandowski. But here’s where it gets controversial—while Lewandowski’s contract runs until 2026, the club can no longer afford to delay this conversation. The Polish striker still delivers in key moments, but the reality is, Barcelona needs a forward who can lead the frontline for the next era. With manager Hansi Flick pushing for a more dynamic, physically demanding style, the choice of the next No. 9 is more crucial than ever. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about goals; it’s about fitting the club’s evolving identity.
As of November 2025, the shortlist has narrowed to four candidates: Harry Kane, Julian Alvarez, Karl Etta Eyong, and Serhou Guirassy. Each brings a unique profile to the table, offering Barcelona distinct pathways for their future. This analysis dives into the pros and cons of each candidate, their financial implications, and which option aligns best with the club’s vision.
Harry Kane – The Reliable Yet Short-Term Solution
Just a few years ago, signing Kane would’ve seemed like a pipe dream. Today, it’s surprisingly feasible. His contract at Bayern includes a reported €66 million release clause, and Bayern isn’t entirely shutting the door on negotiations if he seeks a new challenge. From a footballing perspective, Kane is the most predictable option—and in this case, predictability is a strength. At 32, he remains one of Europe’s most complete centre-forwards: elite finishing, clever movement, and the ability to act as a secondary playmaker in the final third. For Flick’s system, which values both possession and verticality, Kane would slot in seamlessly without needing an adaptation period.
But here’s the catch—his age makes him, at best, a short-term signing, offering two to three seasons at the top. His substantial salary at Bayern also strains Barcelona’s already tight wage structure. Any move for Kane would only make sense as a “bridge signing,” filling the gap until a younger striker matures. He’s the safest bet, but also the least aligned with Barça’s long-term vision. Is relying on a short-term solution worth it, or should Barcelona aim for the future?
Julian Alvarez – The High-Ceiling, High-Cost Dream
From a purely footballing standpoint, Alvarez is Barcelona’s dream option. In his mid-20s and entering his prime, he’s evolved into a player who influences matches across multiple zones. At Atletico Madrid, he’s been a scorer, creator, and—crucially for Flick—a relentless presser. Alvarez offers something no one else on this list does: a modern No. 9 who can score, combine, drift wide, defend from the front, and create space for others. If Barcelona wants to revive the fluid front three reminiscent of the Messi-Neymar-Suarez era, Alvarez is the closest stylistic match.
But talent comes at a price—reports suggest a fee of around €150 million, and Atletico won’t hesitate to demand that, or more, from Barcelona. The club’s financial situation makes this deal extremely complicated. Selling to a direct league rival is already delicate, and doing so at a “reasonable” price is nearly impossible. Still, if money were no object, Alvarez would set the tone for Barcelona’s next decade. He’s not just a long-term replacement; he’s someone who can elevate the entire frontline from day one. Is he worth the financial gamble, or is Barcelona better off exploring more affordable options?
Karl Etta Eyong – The High-Risk, High-Reward Gamble
Of the four candidates, Eyong is the wildcard. His profile is raw, explosive, and unpredictable—the opposite of Kane or Alvarez. Yet, there’s something undeniably intriguing about him. The Cameroonian striker has shown at Levante that he possesses physical attributes Barcelona’s attack currently lacks. Financially, he’s the cheapest option by a wide margin, with estimates suggesting a fee between €15 million and €30 million, depending on contractual clauses.
But the risk is clear—Eyong isn’t ready to lead Barcelona’s attack tomorrow. His first touch, decision-making, and movement inside the box need refinement. Signing him would require a commitment to his development, whether through bench minutes or a strategic loan. He could become the most profitable signing of the bunch, but he could also fail to make the leap to elite football. Is Barcelona willing to take this long-term gamble, or is the risk too great?
Serhou Guirassy – The Balanced, Achievable Choice
If Barcelona wants reliability without breaking the bank, Serhou Guirassy is the middle ground. By 2025, he’s established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s deadliest finishers. At Borussia Dortmund, he’s combined power with intelligent movement, and his efficiency inside the penalty area has been exceptional. For Barcelona, he brings two key elements: physical dominance and a direct goal threat. His finishing numbers are consistently high, and his ability to outmuscle defenders could create space for players like Lamine Yamal or Raphinha.
Financially, Guirassy is a steal—his contract reportedly includes a €65 million release clause, significantly lower than Alvarez’s but for a player already proven at the elite level. At 29, he offers three to four solid seasons without the risks associated with younger players like Eyong. He may not be the flashiest name, but he’s perhaps the most practical. Is he the safe choice, or does Barcelona need to aim higher?
The Verdict: A Clear Ranking
After evaluating all four candidates, the hierarchy becomes relatively clear:
- Best All-Round Sporting Fit – Julian Alvarez: If Barcelona had the budget and leverage, Alvarez would be the ideal successor. He perfectly fits the modern No. 9 archetype.
- Most Realistic and Balanced Option – Serhou Guirassy: A proven performer at a reasonable cost, offering stability without financial chaos.
- Best Long-Term Value – Karl Etta Eyong: High potential, low cost, but requires patience and development.
- Useful but Not Future-Proof – Harry Kane: An excellent player, but his short-term nature makes him more of a stopgap than a long-term solution.
Barça Universal’s Takeaway
Barcelona must avoid repeating past mistakes of chasing big names without a long-term vision. Lewandowski’s successor must not only score goals but also align with the club’s trajectory—younger, more dynamic, and capable of growing with the team. Alvarez is the dream, Guirassy the compromise, Eyong the investment, and Kane the temporary fix. If the club can balance ambition with realism, the next era of Barça’s attack could be built with the precision it deserves.
What do you think? Is Alvarez worth the financial risk, or should Barcelona play it safe with Guirassy? Is Eyong’s potential too good to pass up, or is Kane the pragmatic choice? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your take!