Introduction
In the 24/25 season, FC Barcelona’s attack has been nothing short of absolutely and ruthlessly clinical. According to statistics published by FC Barcelona, as of February 7, Barça have scored 109 goals this season — far surpassing Real Madrid and Liverpool’s tallies of 93 and 91, respectively. Despite his impressive form this season, Lewandowski’s age (36 years old) brings about important questions about his capability to perform in the future. Basic biology tells us that physical decline is unavoidable, meaning he won’t be able to maintain this level of output for much longer.
Thus, as Barça fans, we must start asking ourselves: Who will be our club's star man up top for years to come?
Big-Money Signings
When thinking about future players, big teams will typically think about bringing in a big money player. Not us though! We are as broke as a team the size of FC Barcelona could possibly be. This means that the elite strikers of the footballing world with a hefty price tag such as Erling Haaland or Alexander Isak are essentially out of the question. Now, what can we do about this? Aha! A free transfer!
A Free Transfer, but who?
Well, the answer to that question ladies and gentlemen is Jonathan David. The Canadian international has been in superb form this season, netting 12 times in Ligue 1 McDonald's and 8 times in the UEFA Champions League. You know what's even better? His contract with LOSC Lille is only valid until June 30, 2025, meaning he is free to sign for any club he wants after that date. Even better than that? According to BEIN SPORTS, he is a lifelong Barça fan! I mean, surely this must be our guy.
Not So Fast
With the striker only earning 37,500 Euros per week at the moment (Capology), there is a high likelihood he will be looking to bump that number up significantly this summer. The question is, with Saudi Arabian clubs offering absurd wages and other European giants eager to sign the Canadian; will Barça be able to pay the wages he demands? Its hard to say. However, based on our current financial situation, it is safe to say that other clubs may be able to offer him more money. But will money overweigh his lifelong dream of playing FC Barcelona? We just don't know.
If you're in a little need of reassurance, though, just remember — if our summer search for a striker falls through, we always have Ferran Torres at home.
El Tiburón
Ferran Torres has been a pleasant surprise this season. Both off the bench and in the starting lineup, he has had his fair share of goals given his limited game time. This includes a hattrick against former club Valencia CF, and a brace against Borussia Dortmund at the Signal Iduna Park. While at a quick glance he is not the most conistant of players, we should not be so quick to judge. With only 938 minutes of playing time as of Feburary 9 (transfermarkt), his 10 goals in all competitions this season are nothing to scoff at. In fact, thats a goal every 93.8 minutes — a very respectable return indeed.
Furthermore, while his finishing and ability to drop deep may not be up to par with Lewandowski's, he excels in his own areas. His superior pace and arguably better ability on the ball make him more effective during transitions, allowing us to excel in the style of counter attacking football Hansi Flick has brought to Barça this season.
Conclusion
While the signing of Jonathan David would likely be the preferable option, Ferran Torres is a solid alternative we are lucky to have. His pace and ability to adapt make him an ideal fit for Hansi Flick's attacking football should the signing of David not go to plan. Further, Lewandowski still has a year remaining on his contract, making it likely he will remain at Barça next season. Ultimately, Barça's financial condition will be the decisive factor which determines which of these options are chosen.
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