Neither Julián Álvarez nor Erling Haaland: Barcelona Eye €60M Striker as Lewandowski Successor

Barcelona are officially preparing for a new era — one without Robert Lewandowski. With the Polish striker expected to leave next summer when his contract expires, the Blaugrana have already begun searching for his replacement, and a surprising name has emerged on top of their list: Samu Aghehowa, the 21-year-old Spanish striker lighting up Portugal with Porto FC.

While names like Julián Álvarez and Erling Haaland have dominated the headlines, Barcelona’s sporting department, led by Joan Laporta and Deco, have turned their attention to Aghehowa — a player described by scouts as “the perfect blend of hunger, intelligence, and finishing instinct.” His rise has been nothing short of spectacular.

Since joining Porto, Aghehowa has found the net 32 times in 53 appearances, including seven goals in his first eleven matches this season. His movement, awareness, and calmness in front of goal have made him one of Europe’s hottest emerging strikers. Those close to him describe his playing style as a cross between Fernando Torres and Karim Benzema — elegant yet ruthless.

Barcelona’s interest didn’t happen overnight. Scouts from the Catalan club have followed Aghehowa since his teenage days in Spain, where he scored nine goals in 35 matches before making the leap abroad. Now, at Porto, he’s matured into a complete forward — one who thrives in both link-up play and quick transitions, fitting perfectly into Hansi Flick’s attacking philosophy.

Sources close to Camp Nou say that Flick personally approved the pursuit of Aghehowa after analyzing hours of match footage. The German manager wants a striker who can press relentlessly, drop deep to create space, and link fluidly with midfielders like Pedri and Gavi. Aghehowa checks every box — a modern striker for a modern Barça.

Financially, Barcelona’s plan is bold but realistic. Aghehowa’s release clause reportedly stands at €100 million, but the club believes that an opening bid of €60 million could tempt Porto to negotiate, especially given their financial constraints. Deco, known for his connections in Portuguese football, is expected to lead the talks personally in the coming weeks.

However, Porto are unlikely to let their star leave without a fight. The Portuguese giants understand that Aghehowa’s value is skyrocketing, with several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea, reportedly monitoring the situation. That competition could easily drive up the price — a major concern for Barça, still recovering financially from recent seasons.

Timing will be crucial. If Barcelona fail to close the deal early, other clubs might swoop in with higher offers. Aghehowa’s contract runs until 2029, meaning Porto have all the leverage. Despite that, Laporta remains confident that the player’s desire to return to Spain could work in Barcelona’s favor.

The potential signing of Aghehowa represents more than just a replacement for Lewandowski — it’s a symbol of transition. The club is determined to build a young, dynamic squad capable of competing at the highest level without the need for short-term fixes. Aghehowa, at just 21, could lead the line for the next decade, forming a deadly partnership with Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez.

If the move materializes, Barcelona fans could soon witness the birth of a new era — one that blends youthful energy with tactical precision. Aghehowa’s arrival would mark a significant shift toward long-term planning, giving Flick a versatile forward to shape his project around.

For now, negotiations are only beginning, but the message from Camp Nou is loud and clear: Barcelona are preparing for life after Lewandowski — and Samu Aghehowa might just be the future.