With Robert Lewandowski’s contract winding down, Barcelona are already looking ahead to next season, planning how to shape their attack once the prolific striker departs.

Early discussions have seen names like Harry Kane and Erling Haaland mentioned, with Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic also under consideration as a potential free agent. More recently, Julian Alvarez and Serhou Guirassy have entered the conversation.

Haaland remains the long-term dream for the club. However, Barcelona must also prepare for the realistic possibility that signing the Norwegian may not happen next summer, meaning a temporary solution will be needed to bridge the gap after Lewandowski leaves.

Kane fits that profile, provided he opts to leave Bayern Munich. The England international is in scintillating form, even describing his recent performance against Borussia Dortmund as one of the best of his career. However, Kane may decide to remain at Bayern, leaving Barcelona to consider other options such as Vlahovic, Alvarez, and Guirassy.

Alvarez presents a financial challenge. The Argentina international joined Atletico Madrid from Manchester City in 2024 for £82 million, and his valuation has not decreased since.

Vlahovic could join on a free transfer as his Juventus contract expires, but the club would still face significant salary commitments. There are also questions about his consistency and whether he can be relied upon as a primary goalscorer given his uneven spell in Turin.

Guirassy, meanwhile, represents a compelling mix of value and quality. Reports from Germany suggest he could be available next summer for a fixed transfer fee of €50 million (£43 million) to elite clubs. His scoring ability and ambition to test himself at a higher level make him an intriguing candidate for Barcelona.

In the short term, the club are prioritizing contract extensions rather than January signings. Securing Ferran Torres beyond 2027 is high on the agenda.

As for Lewandowski, the likelihood of a contract renewal this season appears slim. With that in mind, Barcelona are beginning to seriously plan for life after their star striker, weighing a mix of long-term dreams and pragmatic solutions to maintain their attacking potency.