Barcelona Eye €60M Striker Samu Aghehowa as Lewandowski Successor

Barcelona are already looking ahead to a new era beyond Robert Lewandowski. With the Polish striker expected to leave when his contract expires next summer, the Catalan giants are wasting no time in identifying the next big name to lead their attack under Hansi Flick’s new project at Camp Nou.

While big names such as Julián Álvarez and Erling Haaland have been linked in recent months, reports from Spain reveal that Barcelona have turned their attention toward a lesser-known but highly promising forward — Samu Aghehowa, the 21-year-old Spanish striker currently shining for FC Porto.

Aghehowa has become one of the most talked-about young strikers in Europe following his explosive rise in Portugal. Since joining Porto, he has scored an impressive 32 goals in 53 appearances, including 7 goals in his first 11 matches this season. His performances have earned widespread praise for his sharp finishing, movement in the box, and composure under pressure — traits that mirror some of Europe’s most elite forwards.

Having previously played in Spain earlier in his career — where he scored 9 goals in 35 appearances — Aghehowa is already familiar with La Liga’s pace and tactical structure. Scouts from Barcelona have closely monitored his development, and reports suggest that club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco view him as the ideal long-term successor to Lewandowski.

Under Hansi Flick’s system, Barcelona are emphasizing an attacking identity built on high pressing, mobility, and technical link-up play between midfielders and forwards. Aghehowa’s playing style fits that philosophy perfectly. His ability to press intelligently, combine quickly with teammates, and finish clinically makes him a natural fit for Flick’s blueprint.

Sources in Spain claim Barcelona see Aghehowa as both a present and future investment. The club believes his potential could make him their main attacking reference point for the next decade — much like how Lewandowski transformed Bayern Munich during Flick’s managerial reign.

Barcelona’s plan reportedly involves submitting a €60 million bid for Aghehowa, even though his release clause is said to be around €100 million. The Catalans hope to negotiate a favorable deal, leveraging Porto’s current financial needs and their track record of selling young talents to bigger clubs for reasonable prices.

However, Porto are not expected to give in easily. The Portuguese side are aware of Aghehowa’s growing reputation and value in the market. Several Premier League clubs are also said to have made initial inquiries, which could trigger a bidding war if Barcelona fail to act swiftly.

Timing, therefore, is crucial. With Aghehowa’s contract running until 2029, Porto hold a strong negotiating position. Any delay could see his value skyrocket, especially if he continues his fine form in both the Portuguese league and European competitions.

Despite these challenges, Laporta and Deco remain confident in their pursuit. They believe Aghehowa embodies the qualities Barcelona want for their rebuild — young, hungry, technically gifted, and with a strong understanding of modern attacking football. His signing would represent not just an addition to the squad, but a statement of intent for the club’s future direction.

If Barcelona succeed in bringing Aghehowa to Camp Nou, it could mark the beginning of a new attacking chapter — one built on youthful energy and tactical evolution. His arrival would not only provide immediate depth in attack but could also symbolize a shift towards the next generation of Barcelona’s offensive dominance.

For now, one thing is certain: the search for Barcelona’s next great No. 9 is in full swing, and Samu Aghehowa has emerged as the leading candidate to carry that legacy forward into the post-Lewandowski era