Deco discusses Barcelona’s plan beyond Robert Lewandowski – ‘When the time comes…’

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, addressed several key topics, including the future of the club’s striking position.

One name that came up was Erling Haaland, widely regarded as one of the best centre-forwards in the world. Deco acknowledged Haaland’s quality, but he made it clear that Barcelona are not currently in the market for a new striker.

The club is fortunate to have Robert Lewandowski, who is performing at a high level, but the reality is that at 36 years of age, the Polish forward is nearing the end of his career.

This has led to increasing questions about Barcelona’s plans for the future of their attack once Lewandowski decides to hang up his boots. Given Lewandowski’s age, it’s inevitable that the club must start thinking about life beyond him.

Have they identified a replacement?

When that time comes, it’s clear Barcelona will need to find a top-quality replacement. However, Deco addressed the issue with caution, specifically regarding Haaland.

Given Barcelona’s current financial situation, many wonder if signing a player of Haaland’s calibre is even a realistic option.

Deco explained that the club must first assess whether Haaland fits the team’s future plans, as they currently don’t see a need for a new centre-forward.

“First, we have to know if Haaland is what we want for the future. We don’t know that now. At the moment we don’t want any 9,” he began saying.

The focus remains on Lewandowski, who is still very much part of the team’s plans, and there are no immediate intentions to bring in a replacement.

“We have Robert. We are not planning anything with any ‘9’. When the time comes to make a decision, I have to make it because I am the one at the club. 

“We will consider the options, but I don’t think this is the time to talk about any player,” he added.

What about Viktor Gyokeres?

Regarding other possible options like Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, Deco acknowledged the player’s talent, highlighting his consistent goal-scoring form in Portugal.

While Gyokeres has impressed, Deco made it clear that the club is not actively looking for a new centre-forward at this time.

“He is a good player, he has been scoring goals for a long time in Portugal, we know him as well as others, but he is not our priority today, nor are we looking for a 9 to replace Robert.” 

The priority remains keeping Lewandowski happy and focused, with the hope that he will continue to score goals and remain at Barcelona for at least one more season.

Deco emphasised that the club isn’t looking to discuss new players at the moment, as they are fully committed to their current squad.

“We want Lewandowski to continue to be happy, scoring goals and at least to continue for one more season. We have won things and he is happy to be here. We are not going to talk about any player now,” he added.