Robert Lewandowski continues to perform admirably at 36, but even the legendary striker can’t last forever, and Barcelona should be thinking ahead about a replacement.

Lewandowski has an impressive 31 goals in 33 matches so far in 2024/25, including four Champions League braces. Under Hansi Flick, who has brought out the best in him at Bayern Munich, Lewandowski has scored an astonishing 114 goals in 104 appearances.

As Lewandowski closes in on his 600th club goal and aims for 700, Barcelona will need to plan for life after the Pole. But who could potentially take his place, considering the club’s tight finances? We’ve ranked the top 10 candidates without making unrealistic suggestions like targeting Erling Haaland, though some financial levers may still need to be pulled.

Here are the players Barcelona should consider to succeed Lewandowski:

10. Darwin Nunez (Liverpool) Although Darwin Nunez isn’t the prototypical Barcelona striker, he has undeniable potential. His time at Liverpool has been inconsistent, but there’s still hope for him to excel elsewhere. Barcelona might not be the ideal environment for him to flourish, but they could still benefit from his raw talent.

11. Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen) Victor Boniface has shown he’s open to leaving Bayer Leverkusen, having attracted interest from Saudi clubs. With a price tag of £46 million, he could be a relatively affordable option for Barcelona as they look for a new No. 9 in the summer.

12. Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting) The Swedish striker has been on fire for Sporting, scoring 43 goals and assisting 15 in 2023/24 and maintaining great form in 2024/25 with 34 goals and 7 assists. His form has drawn attention from clubs like Manchester United, making him a valuable target for Barcelona.

13. Goncalo Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain) After a difficult start at PSG, Goncalo Ramos still has a lot of untapped potential. Although he showed signs of life with crucial Champions League goals, his struggles in the league and the price PSG would demand might make a move difficult for Barcelona.

14. Mateo Retegui (Atalanta) Mateo Retegui has been exceptional in his first Serie A season, scoring 20 goals in 22 appearances for Atalanta. The 25-year-old striker is in his prime and could be a shrewd signing for Barcelona if they can negotiate the right deal, though it remains to be seen if he’s ready for a top-tier club.

15. Alexander Isak (Newcastle United) Alexander Isak’s price would be prohibitive for Barcelona, but the Swedish international’s all-around game makes him a strong option. If Newcastle misses out on Champions League football, Isak may be tempted to move, and Barcelona might push for a deal. However, Arsenal is also eyeing the forward.

16. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) Harry Kane is a fascinating option due to his release clause of £65 million, which activates this summer. While Tottenham holds the right to match any offers, Barcelona could be an appealing destination for the England captain, offering him the chance to join a club with a rich trophy history.

17. Victor Osimhen (Napoli) Victor Osimhen’s future appears to lie away from Napoli, making him an exciting prospect for Barcelona. Though Napoli’s asking price was once over £100 million, the changing situation could lower that figure, making the Nigerian striker a potential target for a club looking for a long-term Lewandowski replacement.

18. Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig) Benjamin Sesko, 21, is an exciting striker being linked with several top clubs, including Barcelona. With his all-around abilities and the potential to become a star, Sesko could be the ideal heir to Lewandowski. Although Arsenal seems to be the frontrunner for his signature, Barcelona should certainly consider him.

19. Jonathan David (Lille) Jonathan David’s situation makes him an ideal target for Barcelona. With his contract running down, he could be available for free, and his impressive record in Ligue 1 and the Champions League makes him a proven goalscorer. Barcelona’s frugal approach makes David a perfect fit for their current financial constraints, although they could easily overlook this opportunity.

David’s free transfer availability could be a game-changer, and despite Barcelona’s unpredictable transfer strategy, this seems like a move that could benefit the club immensely.