Although we are still halfway through the season, Barcelona's sporting management is already working on the squad for next season. No decisions have yet been taken 100 per cent, but a roadmap has been drawn up for the attacking players. One of the big problems facing Deco, as is the case in practically every market, is that he does not know if the club will have financial fair play and if it will be able to be in the 1:1 rule. The forecast is that it will be able to do so in the summer market.

There are two players with whom the club is counting on and whom it wants to tie down for the future. One of them is Marcus Rashford. The club is satisfied with his performance and the idea is that, at the end of the season, the 30 million euro purchase option they have signed will be exercised. The sporting management considers that this is a very good market price, although it remains to be seen how the season ends.

Great season for Ferran Torres

Another player they want to renew is Ferran Torres, who is out of contract in 2027. So far, talks have not begun, but the club's idea is to extend his contract. They are happy with his performance, as his season is going excellently. It remains to be seen what the player's intentions are, as his value has risen a lot in recent months. On Thursday in Santander, he scored again.

Lewandowski in trouble

Robert Lewandowski's future is not so clear. The club does not want to comment until the end of the season. The Pole's performance is good: he is scoring goals and perfectly assuming that he is no longer a regular starter in the team. The problem is that in August he will be 38 years old. His salary is very high and, although if he stays it would be considerably reduced, it would still be a great expense, especially for a player who is increasingly affected by injuries. And it should not be forgotten that in other countries, such as Saudi Arabia or the United States, they are willing to pay a lot of money for him.

Sign a striker

So the chances of him staying are slim. That is why the sporting management has already made it a priority to sign a top striker, ahead of a centre-back or a full-back. If Barca are in the 1:1 rule, they are willing to take on a major deal. And this is where the dance of names begins, because there are several candidates

Julian Alvarez and Kane

Julian Alvarez remains a target. It is true that he is not having a great season, but he is a striker who is very popular with the sporting management and Hansi Flick. It will not be easy, because it is an expensive signing that would cost around 100 million euros. Another option is Harry Kane, who according to various sources has a release clause of 65 million euros.

Other options

The Bayern player is having a great season. It is another expensive operation because, apart from the 65 million euros release clause, there is the player's salary, which is around 25 million euros gross. And, to make matters worse, the German club is pressing to renew him. Then there would be other more affordable options, such as Vlahovic and Guirassy, but these would come if the club is not in the 1:1 rule. There are still several months to go before final decisions are made.