Barcelona looking for a new striker: Deco heads to Portugal...

Barcelona intends to strengthen its squad with another centre-forward before the summer transfer window closes. After failing to make progress in negotiations for Atlético striker Julián Álvarez, the Catalan club is turning its attention to other candidates.

Deco has flown to Portugal

According to RAC1 and Sport, Barcelona sporting director Deco travelled to Portugal on August 21. It has not been officially revealed who he will meet during the visit.

However, reports have emerged that several forwards playing in the Portuguese league are on the Catalan club’s radar.

Barcelona’spotential candidates

Among the players being discussed by the Catalan club are:

• Sporting striker Luis Suárez;

• Benfica forward Vangelis Pavlidis.

Luis Suárez attracted attention last season by scoring 35 goals for Sporting. Pavlidis also enjoyed a productive campaign at Benfica, scoring 21 goals in the 2025/26 Portuguese league.

At the same time, the situation regarding Suárez is complicated: Sporting want to keep the player, while his release clause is set at €80 million.

Flick is counting on Deco

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has also openly stated that the team needs a new No. 9. Following Robert Lewandowski’s departure, the centre-forward position has become one of the Catalan club’s most pressing concerns.

Barcelona’s main task is to find a striker capable of adequately replacing Lewandowski.

The Catalan club has not yet made a final decision. However, as the transfer window closure approaches, Deco’s visit to Portugal suggests that Barcelona has accelerated negotiations for a new striker.

Do you think Benfica star Pavlidis or Sporting striker Luis Suárez can adequately fill the void in Barcelona’s centre-forward position?

Share your thoughts in the comments and immediately pass this hot transfer story on to Barça fans!