Barcelona plan a major sale for 2026 to make room for Lewandowski successor – four potential candidates | OneFootball

Barcelona are already planning for a big move in 2026, which is signing a top-class striker to lead their attack.

In that regard, according to SPORT, the club knows that bringing in a star forward won’t be cheap, and to afford it, they will need to sell at least one major player.

Interestingly, names like Ronald Araujo, Fermin Lopez, Gavi, and Raphinha are being considered as possible departures when the time comes.

While Barcelona have a few players expected to leave this summer, such as Ansu Fati, Pablo Torre, and possibly Inaki Pena and Pau Victor, these moves alone won’t generate the kind of money needed for a blockbuster signing.

While Barcelona have been hesitant to approve sales, the club’s financial situation means it can’t wait much longer to make a big deal happen.

Barcelona will sign a striker

By the summer of 2026, Barcelona will need a new number nine, as Robert Lewandowski’s contract will expire.

Robert Lewandowski is likely to leave Barcelona in 2026. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

While names such as Julian Alvarez has been linked, it is known that without a major sale, the funds required for a world-class striker won’t be there, making a tough decision inevitable.

There is a feeling inside the club that the summer after the 2026 World Cup could be perfect to sell a big-name player, with the global tournament likely boosting players’ market value.

Raphinha, for example, could shine for Brazil and become a prime candidate for a high-priced transfer.

Much will also depend on how players like Gavi and Fermin perform next season. If they get fewer minutes, they might feel less connected to the club and be more open to leaving.

But even though Deco has secured the squad with long contracts and high release clauses, he knows the club will soon ask him to bring in serious money. Without it, signing a top striker would be almost impossible.

Barcelona’s youth academy continues to produce promising talent, but in modern football, big signings are essential to stay competitive.

As things stand, the club is unlikely to earn as much as hoped from player sales this summer, so all eyes are on next year to see how Barça will fund their big plans.