Barcelona have reportedly set their sights on Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres as a key candidate to succeed veteran striker Robert Lewandowski in the long term.
Lewandowski, though still in outstanding form with a prolific start this season, netting 17 goals, is now 36, and Barcelona are keen to find a younger forward who can take over the striking role for future seasons.
Gyokeres, currently 26, has impressed the Barcelona scouting team with his remarkable scoring record this season, having registered 20 goals in only 16 games, making him an attractive target for the Catalan club as they look to bolster their attacking options.
Sporting CP, aware of Gyokeres’ rising profile, have reportedly set a substantial price tag of €60-70 million on the forward. Barcelona, aiming to navigate Financial Fair Play constraints, are exploring the possibility of lowering the transfer fee by involving their own young talent, Vitor Roque, in a player-plus-cash swap deal. Reports from A Bola via Sport indicate that such a proposal is under consideration by Barcelona’s management.
Roque, a promising 19-year-old forward currently on loan at Real Betis, previously opted to stay in Spain, declining a move to Sporting CP in the last transfer window. However, his potential return to Barcelona next summer could reopen negotiations for a switch to the Portuguese club.
This potential deal reflects Barcelona’s strategic efforts to reinforce their squad with young talents capable of making an impact while addressing their financial limitations through innovative transfer arrangements.