Robert Lewandowski seems closer every day to securing his automatic renewal with FC Barcelona, an issue that is not questioned when evaluating two unavoidable aspects. First, his sporting contributions to the team this 2024-25 season, where he has become the main goal-scoring reference for the culés. Second, the clause in his contract that guarantees an extension if he plays more than 45 minutes in over half of the matches that Barça faces in this campaign, an objective that seems on track to fulfill.
However, this does not imply that Barcelona is not considering other alternatives to strengthen its offensive line and prepare for the eventual replacement of Robert Lewandowski in the future. Internationally, names like Erling Haaland (Manchester City) are mentioned, a likely more utopian signing, and others like Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting Club de Portugal) or Jonathan David (LOSC Lille), more realistic options given their contractual situations.
The option that Barcelona is not neglecting to strengthen its forward line
At the same time, other names are also mentioned in the orbit of Barça. Now, a possible option has been raised from Serie A. According to information from 'El Nacional.cat', Barcelona is closely monitoring the situation of Juventus' striker, Dušan Vlahović.
The source suggests that the 24-year-old Serbian 'killer' could be an option to consider for Barça. Vlahović ends his contract with Juventus in 2026, and negotiations for his renewal seem to be stalled. Therefore, it would not be surprising if 'Vecchia Signora' puts on the market a player for whom they once paid around €83.5 million, and who still holds a good market value, as according to 'Transfermarkt' website, Dušan still enjoys a considerable value of 65 'kilos'.
The aspect that could complicate Barcelona's potential interest in Dušan Vlahović
Nevertheless, undertaking this operation could pose a real challenge for Barça. Although the aforementioned media asserts that Hansi Flick would approve this signing, being a goal scorer who is still relevant, having scored nine goals in 16 matches this season 24-25. Moreover, Dušan Vlahović would be that forward with the profile that seems to fit what Barcelona is looking for in its current playing style, it is evident that the negotiation could be complex.
At this point, it is important to consider that while Barça could apparently offer a substantial sum to carry out his transfer, considering that Juventus might be flexible in the negotiation because Vlahović will have only one year left on his contract next summer and, if not renewed, could leave for free in 2026, the current salary that the Belgrade native receives in the 'Bianconero' team makes him not only the highest-paid player in the team, but also the one with the highest base salary in Serie A (€22.2 million gross per year, equivalent to about €12 million net).
This amount, therefore, would be challenging to assume for Barcelona, especially considering the situation of the 'Financial Fair Play' in LaLiga, which has forced Barça to reduce its wage bill. Assuming a salary of this magnitude could disrupt its financial planning.
Nevertheless, it is inevitable that the addition of Dušan Vlahović could represent a major 'statement' for Barcelona, especially if the striker, who also attracted interest from the Catalan club in the past, manages to regain his best goal-scoring form. This option for revitalization in his career could come through a change of team, something that would be necessary to boost his career once again.