Barcelona’s Bold Bet: Could a Young Dynamo Replace Lewandowski as Transfer Drama Blitz Explodes
16 October 2025
Barcelona's Transfer Watch
Barcelona continues its broad activity in the transfer market as it plans for the upcoming season, pursuing a prolific striker who can replace the aging Robert Lewandowski, now 37, whose contract runs out at the end of the season.
At this point there are no clear signals about whether either side will renew, prompting sporting director Deco to begin early scouting for strong alternatives.
Among the names Barca is monitoring, the Cameroonian forward Karl Eta Eiong (21) has emerged, regarded as one of the season’s surprises in La Liga after starring for Villarreal and Levante, drawing the attention of several big clubs.
The player has a release clause of 30 million euros, a reasonably affordable figure given his age and potential.
However, Italian press have revived another more experienced, heavier name: Serb Dušan Vlahović (26), Juventus forward, whose name has resurfaced on Barca’s shortlist after he was also mentioned in last summer’s market talks.
Italian Tuttosport confirmed Barca included Vlahović among the possible forwards, noting that sporting director Deco has already contacted the player's agent Darko Restić to gauge his interest in remaining in Turin.
According to those sources, negotiations between Juventus and Vlahović for a contract renewal remain stalled, with no agreement reached yet.
New Horizons
On his side, the striker seems determined to end his Italian spell and seek a new challenge, but he does not intend to leave Juventus during the upcoming winter window, preferring to wait until next summer to become a free agent and negotiate a better deal without his new club paying a transfer fee.
Vlahović has started this season strongly with the Old Lady, scoring four goals and adding one assist in his first eight Serie A matches, proving he remains among Europe’s top striking talents despite his young age.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are also reported to be among the clubs keeping a close eye on the Serb, though their stance could shift if Harry Kane signs, potentially closing the door on a similar striker arrival.
At Barcelona, management understands that signing Vlahović could be a golden chance if the move could happen for reasons other than a cash outlay, given the club’s delicate finances in recent years.
Additionally, the player fits the tactical profile demanded by coach Hans Flick. He is a physically strong forward who can operate both inside and outside the box and has experience in major competitions, even at a young age.
For now, no final decision has been made at Camp Nou, but the Serbian striker’s file will stay among the hottest transfer rumors as Barca looks ahead.
If the club fails to renew Lewandowski’s deal, Vlahović could carry the Catalan attack next season, combining footballing pedigree with smart financial planning.
Lewandowski joined Barça in the summer of 2022 for around €45m. He promptly showed his goal-scoring prowess by hitting 33 goals in his first season in all comps, helping Barca win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.
Punchline 1: If this move happens, Barca will need a bigger calculator to count the goals.
Punchline 2: And if Lewandowski leaves, the only thing faster than his shots might be Barca’s budget curve. Boom, finance humor!
