Robert Lewandowski’s Replacement? Barcelona Coach Hansi Flick Eyes Bundesliga Striker While Joan Laporta Dreams of a Bigger Name

A Striker Search That Could Define Barcelona’s Next Era

The search for Robert Lewandowski’s replacement at Barcelona has officially begun, and like most things at Camp Nou, it comes with a mix of ambition, disagreement, and financial reality. Manager Hansi Flick, who arrived in Catalonia with a reputation for discipline and tactical sharpness, has reportedly set his sights on Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy as the man to inherit Lewandowski’s No. 9 role.

But there’s a catch. Club president Joan Laporta—never shy about wanting headline-grabbing names to bolster Barcelona’s global image—is said to be unimpressed with the idea. To Laporta, Guirassy is solid but not spectacular, a name that might excite purists but won’t necessarily sell shirts in Asia or North America.

And so begins another tug-of-war inside Barcelona’s hierarchy: the coach who wants a system player versus the president who wants a superstar.

Flick’s Courtship of Guirassy

According to reports from Germany, Flick has made it clear he sees Guirassy as an ideal fit for his plans. The 28-year-old Guinea international moved to Dortmund from Stuttgart in the summer of 2024 and wasted no time proving himself. In his debut campaign, Guirassy scored 34 goals and provided six assists across all competitions—a record that puts him among Europe’s most prolific finishers.

This season, his form has carried over. By late September, he had already racked up nine goals and an assist, showing not only consistency but also adaptability at the highest level. Flick, who built his reputation at Bayern Munich with a front line that was as efficient as it was ruthless, clearly sees echoes of that model in Guirassy.

For a coach who prioritises structure, work rate, and a striker who can both finish and press from the front, Guirassy ticks many of the boxes.

Laporta’s Disapproval: Not Big Enough

While Flick is sold on Guirassy, Laporta is far less convinced. According to Spanish media, the president considers Guirassy a “smaller name” compared to the high-profile stars he envisions leading Barcelona into a new era.

Laporta’s presidency has always been tied to big statements. From bringing Ronaldinho in his first stint, to engineering Lionel Messi’s contract renewals, to his recent efforts to bring star power back despite financial turbulence, Laporta understands the commercial pull of a global icon.

And in his eyes, Guirassy—despite his numbers—does not fit that mould. What Laporta wants is another blockbuster signing, the type that dominates headlines and makes rivals tremble. The difference in vision between coach and president is clear: Flick wants reliability, Laporta wants glamour.

The Numbers Behind the Deal

One sticking point is the financial side of things. Reports suggest Guirassy’s transfer could cost Barcelona around €100 million (£87m/$115m) if negotiated directly with Dortmund.

However, there is a twist: it is believed that Guirassy’s contract contains a €70m (£60m/$82m) release clause valid for clubs outside Germany. Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has so far refused to confirm or deny this, insisting no offers have been received.

For Barcelona, still juggling debt and operating under La Liga’s tight financial regulations, that €30m difference could make or break a deal. A clause-based purchase at €70m might be feasible; anything more, and Laporta’s financial headaches will only worsen.

Why Flick Wants Guirassy

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Flick’s reasoning goes beyond raw numbers. At 37, Robert Lewandowski cannot be expected to carry Barcelona’s attack for much longer. The Polish legend remains a physical marvel and a reliable scorer, but time catches up with everyone.

Guirassy offers several qualities Flick values:

• Clinical finishing: His 34 goals last season weren’t a fluke. He converts chances at an elite rate.

• Pressing ability: Flick’s high-energy system demands forwards who work hard off the ball, something Lewandowski can no longer do for 90 minutes.

• Experience but not decline: At 28, Guirassy is in his prime—not too old, not too raw.

For Flick, this is about building a team that functions collectively rather than relying on a single superstar. He sees Guirassy as the type of striker who could seamlessly slot in and let Barcelona’s young stars—Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal—flourish around him.

Barcelona’s Temporary Solution

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For now, Flick has been forced to improvise. With Lewandowski managing his workload, Barcelona have leaned on Ferran Torres, who has chipped in with four La Liga goals already this season. Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, has also been tested in the role, alongside Raphinha and the teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

But these are short-term fixes. None of them are natural centre-forwards, and Flick knows Barcelona cannot keep relying on patched-up solutions if they want to compete with Europe’s elite.

The Bigger Picture: A Club in Transition

Barcelona’s striker dilemma is just one piece of a broader puzzle. Since Messi’s departure, the club has been trying to find both a new identity and new stars to carry the weight. Laporta’s desire for a “bigger name” reflects that ongoing struggle.

Names like Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, or Victor Osimhen may be the kind of signings Laporta dreams about, but the reality of Barcelona’s finances makes them nearly impossible. Guirassy, by contrast, represents a realistic and immediate option—high-performing, relatively affordable, and hungry to prove himself on an even bigger stage.

Guirassy’s Perspective

For Guirassy, the idea of moving to Barcelona could be career-defining. After years of steady progression—from Rennes to Stuttgart to Dortmund—this would be the ultimate step up. The chance to lead the line at Camp Nou is something few strikers would turn down, even if it comes with immense pressure.

Yet, he may also be wary. Barcelona is a club where expectations can crush even the most talented players, especially if fans perceive him as a “second-choice” option compared to the megastars Laporta publicly covets.

What Happens Next?

As things stand, Flick’s admiration and Laporta’s reservations set up an intriguing internal debate. If Guirassy continues to score freely in the Bundesliga, it will be difficult for Barcelona’s leadership to ignore him. On the other hand, Laporta’s ambitions—and his eye on commercial considerations—could push the club toward chasing a flashier, perhaps less attainable, target.

The coming months will be decisive. With Lewandowski entering the twilight of his career, Barcelona must decide what they value more: the coach’s tactical needs or the president’s vision of global stardom.

Conclusion: A Test of Philosophy

The question of Robert Lewandowski’s replacement is not just about signing a new striker. It is a test of philosophy inside Barcelona. Does the club trust Flick to shape the future with pragmatism and efficiency, or will Laporta push for a superstar gamble that risks repeating past mistakes?

For now, Guirassy stands as the symbol of that debate—an exceptional goalscorer with the numbers to back him up, but not the headline-grabbing aura of a Messi or Neymar.

One thing is certain: Barcelona cannot delay this decision much longer. The Lewandowski era is nearing its end, and the Camp Nou faithful will want clarity on who will take the mantle. Whether it is Guirassy or someone else, the choice will define Barcelona’s attack for years to come.