At the start of the 2025–26 season, FC Barcelona have rotated between two players in the centre-forward role. One is Robert Lewandowski, one of the most renowned strikers in European football, and the other is Ferran Torres, whom Hansi Flick has shifted from the wing to a more central position since last season.
With Lewandowski now 37, speculation has grown that Barcelona might look for a new striker in the transfer market, [especially with names like Erling Haaland being linked to the club](https://semprebarca.com/who-knows-what-might-happen-pep-guardiola-teases-barcelona-fans-with-honest-erling-haaland-admission/).
However, Sporting Director Deco has downplayed the urgency of signing a new centre-forward, insisting that the team should not be fixated on the idea of a ‘number 9‘.
Speaking in an interview with Tot Costa on Catalunya Ràdio (via [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20251007/1002546583/deco-hay-obsesionarse-fichar-9.html)), Deco explained that having a traditional striker is not essential in modern football and that Barcelona’s focus should remain on improving from within.
**“We shouldn’t be obsessed with signing a No. 9; you might end up making a mistake. Maybe you can play without a No. 9. It’s not the time to talk about signings. Ferran can play as a No. 9. Talking about a No. 9 is a bit misguided, even though there are some very good players.”**
Deco also made it clear that this is not the right moment to discuss Robert Lewandowski’s contract renewal, preferring to take a patient approach.
**“We’re not going to talk about renewals in October. We’ll take things step by step. He’s one of the best forwards of recent years, at a great level. He’s helped us a lot — he’s scored over 40 goals — but we’ll analyze everything in due time. Right now, it’s about recovering our injured players.”**
The Portuguese official emphasized that Barcelona’s most important moves have been the renewals of key young players rather than external signings.
**“When we renew contracts, that’s also a kind of signing. We’ve managed not to sell any key players. Many clubs would love to have these players.”**
He concluded by expressing confidence in the quality of the current squad while acknowledging the need for continued progress.
**“We have a championship-level team, a top squad that still needs to improve. It’s better to approach the market calmly.”**
Although it already seemed unlikely that Barcelona would pursue a new centre-forward in the January window, Deco’s comments further suggest that the club intends to remain patient.
A decision on adding a new striker could come next summer, depending on how Lewandowski and Ferran perform during the rest of the season.