Barcelona closely monitoring the free-agent market for strikers; €50m-rated star tops list | OneFootball

Robert Lewandowski has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season at Barcelona – so much so that the club have reportedly decided against replacing him until 2026.

However, given his age, having a reliable backup option is a must – an area that the Blaugrana squad is currently lacking as Ferran Torres has been sub-par, Ansu Fati is only returning from an injury, and Pau Victor lacks experience.

As such, SPORT reports that Barcelona are closely monitoring the market for free-agent strikers for the summer of 2025.

While the Catalans could consider the potential return of Vitor Roque, the emergence of Pau Victor or Victor Barbera from Barça Atletic, they are also on the lookout for strikers whose contracts expire in 2025.

Jonathan David at the top of the list

The report further adds that among the available options, Jonathan David shines the brightest and stands out for Barcelona as an option for 2025.

The Lille striker, who scored the winning penalty against Real Madrid earlier this week, is one of the most sought-after forwards set to become a free agent on June 30, and he boasts a market value of €50 million.

David’s agent, Nick Mavromaras, has held talks with several Premier League clubs, but nothing has been finalised yet, and Barcelona are aware of his availability.

Lille are eager to renew his contract, but the 24-year-old is currently a coveted player among top clubs. With eight goals in 12 matches this season and an impressive total of 92 goals in 105 appearances for Lille, he would undoubtedly be a great addition at Barça.

Jonathan David will be a free agent in 2025. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

Other free-agent options

Jonathan David tops Barcelona’s list of potential forwards, as other options either do not match his performance or are already in their thirties, making their acquisition less practical given Lewandowski’s continuity.

Among the younger options is Moussa Dembele, once a target for Barcelona, but his performance has declined. Now at Al-Ettifaq, the 28-year-old has scored three goals and provided one assist in eight matches.

Another name is Luka Jovic, a former Real Madrid player now with AC Milan. At 26, the Serbian has struggled to establish himself, starting just three games this season without scoring.

Meanwhile, there is a long list of veteran strikers who will be free agents in 2025, some of whom are well-known, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Olivier Giroud, Edin Dzeko, and Iago Aspas (37).

Other names include Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon), Raul Jimenez (Fulham), and Andrej Kramaric (TSG Hoffenheim), all 33 years old.