Laporta and Deco plan to sign the Black Fox
FC Barcelona is already thinking about the future beyond Robert Lewandowski. Although the Polish striker will continue as the team’s ‘9’ next season, the Camp Nou offices are working hard to ensure a smooth transition. And the big medium-term target has a name and surname: Alexander Isak .
The Swedish Newcastle striker is the big dream of Joan Laporta and Deco to lead the Barça attack from the summer of 2026, when Lewandowski’s contract ends. His profile fits perfectly with what is being sought: a young striker, with experience in the big leagues, with goals, mobility and technical quality. In addition, he knows LaLiga after his time at Real Sociedad, where he left an excellent memory.
Barça’s plan: patience and strategy
Barça’s plan is clear and has been in place for months: wait another year to undertake the operation. The club’s economic context does not allow for major investments this summer, and as long as Lewandowski is performing, a multi-million dollar operation for another ‘9’ is not justified. Therefore, the bet is clear: let Isak continue for another season at Newcastle and launch a bid to sign him in 2026 .
The challenge, however, is that other big European clubs do not move ahead. Arsenal and Liverpool have already shown interest in the Swedish striker, and in England there is a consensus that he will be one of the most sought-after strikers on the market in the near future. For Barça’s plan to work, they need Isak to stay at Newcastle this summer , and that’s where a key factor comes in: the team’s qualification for the next Champions League.
Newcastle, fourth and in good shape
Newcastle are currently in fourth place in the Premier League , which would allow them to return to the Champions League next season. Eddie Howe’s squad has recovered after an irregular start to the season, and Isak’s continued presence is directly linked to this ranking.
Barça know that if Newcastle get into the Champions League , it will be much easier for the Swede to decide to stay another year with the team. The sporting project would continue to be competitive, Isak would maintain his European showcase and, above all, he would have arguments not to accept other offers . That extra season would be the key so that Barça, already with financial margin, can launch a definitive offensive for his signing in the summer of 2026.
Isak, the ideal relief
Isak meets all the conditions that Barça is looking for in its striker of the future. At 26 years old, he is in full football maturity and this season he is signing remarkable numbers in the Premier League, with a goal-scoring ability that has placed him among the best in the English league. In addition, his playing style fits into the Barça philosophy: good technique, mobility, intelligence in clearing the lines and ability to associate.
Source: El Nacional
