Barcelona line up Alexander Isak as long-term Robert Lewandowski replacement – and he hasn’t ruled out transfer before
BARCELONA have their eyes set on Newcastle striker Alexander Isak to replace veteran Robert Lewandowski, according to reports.
Barca boss Xavi is said to be a big fan of the forward and is on the hunt to bolster his forward options.
According to the Spanish outlet Fichajes, Xavi is currently planning for the club’s long-term future without former Bayern Munich superstar Lewandowski.
The 35-year-old joined the Catalonian side last summer for £38million after his record-breaking spell in the Bundesliga.
But the Spaniard is concerned the Polish striker’s career may be coming to an end and is desperate to start searching for a replacement – and is keen on signing Isak.
The report claims that Lewandowski’s time at Barcelona isn’t up just yet as the club will not be “making any serious moves for Isak until next summer.”
The report adds that the Magpies would be looking for the same fee they paid if they part ways with the forward.
For Xavi’s side, this will be tough as the club is still in financial trouble.
Isak, 23, made a name for himself while a Borussia Dortmund player on loan at Dutch side Willem II in 2019.
He became the first player to ever score three penalties in a Dutch second-division match.
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Having left Dortmund for Real Sociedad the forward then signed for Eddie Howe‘s side for a club record of £63m last summer.
He has scored 12 goals in 31 matches for the Magpies but has had to fight for a starting role against Callum Wilson.
The Swedish international’s contract does not finish until 2028 meaning it will not be an easy task for Barca to get his signature.
But the Blaugrana have been long-time fans of Isak having previously been linked with the Swedish star before his move to the Premier League.
When asked in 2021 about a potential move to Nou Camp the former Real Sociedad player told Spanish outlet El Diario Vasco he needed to remain “calm”.
He said: “You have to be calm. I am. My goal is to finish the season in the best way, there is one game left and I said that I feel good here, I’m very good.
“What happens is that nobody knows what will happen in the future. Neither you nor I. I take everything very calmly,”