New Striker Emerges to Challenge Lewandowski at Barça—Are Talks Already Under Way?
5 March 2026
Amr Marmoush, a Manchester City forward, faces a fierce challenge to replace the aging Lewandowski in Barcelona's attack next season.
Lewandowski is expected to depart Barça at the end of the current campaign, as he turns 38 in August, opening a window for a replacement to emerge before next season.
Barça has enjoyed four strong seasons with the Pole, who has netted 115 goals in 179 appearances since arriving in 2022.
According to The Athletic, Julian Alvarez is the standout target in Deco's slate of options to replace Lewandowski, should the need arise.
The club believes the 26-year-old could be enticed to move, and insiders say Barcelona think they could stretch to a reasonable bid for Atlético Madrid.
Atlético Madrid's valuation places Alvarez between roughly 112 and 130 million euros, and public statements from the Madrid side have signaled openness to selling this summer, though no deal is imminent.
There is also Harry Kane, but the Englishman remains a less likely option. His release clause of about €65m would not be activated this summer, and Deco is wary of paying big sums for players in their 30s.
Mor ambitious targets
Meanwhile, Barça's other scenario includes a secondary list of targets under the top tier, including Amr Marmoush. Victor Osimhen is also cited as a competing option.
The Athletic notes Barça is merely surveying the candidates so far, with no concrete negotiations underway yet.
Reports in February claimed Marmoush has impressed coach Hansi Flick, despite a reduced role for the Egyptian forward at Manchester City after joining from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025.
So far, no formal steps have been taken, and Atlético's possible demands could push Barça to pivot toward alternative names as the summer window nears.
In addition, there is a sense that Deco is trying to avoid overspending on players past 30, which shapes the approach to Kane and others.
Marmoush leads the backup plans
Ultimately, Marmoush is at the forefront of Barça's backup plans, with Osimhen also in the mix; for now the club is watching and weighing, rather than negotiating aggressively.
Sport reports reinforced this stance, noting Barcelona's interest in Marmoush while continuing to monitor the situation around Alvarez and Osimhen.
As the saga unfolds, Barca will balance needs, finances, and the calendar, hoping for a season where Lewandowski passes the baton smoothly. And if the deal falters, the club will still field a squad capable of turning the scoreboard into something resembling a thriller—just not a Hall-of-Fame one.
Punchline 1: Barcelona’s transfer board is so frugal that even the rumors have to take a loan to attend; the drama is free though the excuses aren’t.
Punchline 2: If you think this drama ends soon, blink—Barça’s next chapter is likely to feature a new striker, another press conference, and a budget spreadsheet with more graphs than goals.
