Barcelona has shortlisted three elite forwards as top priorities to significantly upgrade their attacking options.
With Lamine Yamal and Raphinha thriving on the wings but craving a central predator to elevate La Liga title defences and Champions League assaults, Deco is prioritising strikers who blend ruthless finishing, aerial prowess, and pressing intensity.
Financial fair play remains the gatekeeper – Casado’s €40m Saudi drift and Balde’s €60m Inter whispers offer levers – yet landing any would signal a post-crisis resurgence.
The elite forwards shortlisted are Juventus’ Dušan Vlahović, Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, and Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez, as reported by Fichajes.
Vlahović, the Serbian powerhouse whose free-agent status he prioritises Barcelona above all, tops the wishlist with 20 Serie A goals and aerial dominance tailor-made for Lewandowski succession.
Kane, England’s record scorer, tempts at €80m+ despite Bayern’s reluctance, his 36 Bundesliga strikes last term offering metronomic brilliance and set-piece mastery.
Núñez rounds out the trio as a chaotic €65m wildcard, his explosive Liverpool runs (15 goals amid Anfield frustration) promising raw pace and chaos, complementing Flick’s high line.
Vlahović’s Bosman dream aligns perfectly with FFP realities, rejecting Saudi and Premier League riches for Camp Nou glory.
Kane represents the safe elite bet, his leadership stabilising transitions while mentoring youth like Ajay Tavares, though Bayern’s Kompany eyes retention post-Bundesliga dominance.
Núñez offers high-upside disruption, his aerial threat and work rate echoing Lewandowski’s prime, with Liverpool potentially open amid Salah contract flux.
Each fits Barcelona’s tactical evolution: Vlahović holds up play, Kane dictates tempo, Núñez presses ferociously.
Success demands outgoings – Ansu Fati to Forest, Frenkie de Jong sales – alongside midfield pursuits like Lennart Karl.
Laporta’s board, fresh off re-election, views this shortlist as the pivot from survival to supremacy, blending pragmatism with prestige.
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