Neither Haaland, Nor Gyökeres, Nor Kane: Joan Laporta Pays 120 Million and Signs the Best ‘9’

FC Barcelona is on a relentless mission to secure a new center forward, knowing full well that Robert Lewandowski’s reign at the club will soon come to an end. While the Polish striker continues to lead the attack, his age and declining form have forced the Catalan club to explore long-term options. However, Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles have made it difficult to target the market’s biggest names, such as Erling Haaland, Viktor Gyökeres, and Harry Kane.

Instead, the club has identified a more realistic yet highly talented alternative—Alexander Isak. The Swedish forward, currently shining at Newcastle United, has emerged as the ideal candidate to take over as Barça’s leading striker. Joan Laporta and his board have reportedly prepared a staggering €120 million package to bring Isak back to LaLiga, making him the most expensive signing of the Laporta era.

Why Isak?

At 24 years old, Alexander Isak has already established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting strikers. His combination of pace, technical skill, and clinical finishing makes him a perfect fit for Barcelona’s playing style. Having already impressed in Spain during his time at Real Sociedad, where he scored 44 goals in 132 appearances, Isak’s return to LaLiga would be seamless. His ability to link up with wingers and midfielders aligns well with Barça’s philosophy, making him a natural successor to Lewandowski.

Unlike Haaland or Kane, whose wages and transfer fees are astronomical, Isak represents a slightly more affordable option. While Newcastle’s valuation remains high, Barcelona believes that a structured payment plan and possible player exchanges could facilitate the deal. The Swedish international also reportedly prefers a move to Spain over staying in England, giving Barcelona a significant advantage in negotiations.

Newcastle’s Reluctance

Despite Barcelona’s strong interest, Newcastle United is not keen on losing their star striker. Since his arrival in 2022 for €70 million, Isak has been instrumental in Eddie Howe’s system, helping Newcastle qualify for the Champions League and becoming one of their most dangerous attacking threats. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and the Magpies will not let him go without a fight.

Newcastle’s financial situation is also a key factor. With their Saudi-backed ownership, the club has no urgent need to sell. In fact, they are reportedly planning to build their future around Isak. Barcelona, therefore, faces a tough challenge in convincing Newcastle to part ways with their prized asset. However, the player’s own ambitions could play a decisive role in the final outcome.

Laporta’s Financial Juggling Act

For Joan Laporta, signing Isak is not just about football—it’s about restoring Barcelona’s reputation as a club capable of attracting elite talent. Over the past few years, financial constraints have forced Barça to miss out on major signings, but Laporta remains determined to reverse that trend.

To finance the deal, Barcelona will likely need to offload several players. Names like Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and even Ansu Fati—who is currently on loan at Brighton—have been mentioned as possible departures. Additionally, Barcelona is exploring sponsorship deals and new revenue streams to strengthen its financial position. If Laporta manages to execute this plan successfully, the Isak transfer could become a reality sooner rather than later.

Tactical Fit at Barcelona

Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s head coach, is reportedly thrilled at the prospect of working with Isak. Unlike Lewandowski, who thrives as a traditional number nine, Isak offers versatility. He can play centrally or drift wide, allowing more fluidity in attack. His quick feet and ability to operate in tight spaces make him a valuable asset for a team that prioritizes possession-based football.

Moreover, Isak’s work ethic and defensive contributions fit Flick’s high-pressing system. The German coach wants his forwards to be involved in every phase of play, and Isak’s ability to track back and press opponents makes him an ideal candidate for this role. If the transfer materializes, Barcelona could be looking at a new-look attack centered around the Swedish striker.

Fans’ Reactions and Expectations

Barcelona fans have had mixed reactions to the news of Isak’s potential arrival. While many recognize his talent and believe he could thrive at the club, others remain skeptical about the hefty price tag. Some argue that Barcelona should prioritize other areas, such as midfield reinforcements or defensive improvements, rather than spending €120 million on a striker.

However, the general sentiment is that Isak represents a smart investment for the future. At 24, he has his best years ahead of him and could provide stability in the attacking department for the next decade. If he delivers on expectations, he could be remembered as the striker who led Barcelona into a new era of dominance.

The Final Push

Negotiations between Barcelona and Newcastle are expected to be complex, but Laporta is confident in his ability to get the deal done. The club is reportedly preparing an official offer, with discussions already underway regarding payment structures and potential add-ons.

As things stand, the deal is far from finalized, but Barcelona is ready to go all in for their next number nine. Whether Isak will wear the Blaugrana colors next season remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Barcelona is prepared to make a statement in the transfer market.