Next summer is expected to be very important for Barcelona, who have to address two major areas of Hansi Flick’s squad. A replacement for Inigo Martinez at left centre-back is needed, while there will also be plans to sign a new starting striker, given that Robert Lewandowski is out of contract at the end of the season.

There has been much talk about the possible signing of a striker, which was made more tricky in the summer due to a number of targets having joined new clubs. However, there are still well-liked players available, including Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, although it turns out that no one could arrive.

Speaking on Tot Costa (via MD), Barcelona sporting director has cast doubt on a star striker being signed next summer, even if Lewandowski were to depart.

“You don’t have to obsess over a ‘9’, maybe you can make a mistake. Maybe you can play without a ‘9’. This is not the time to talk about signings. Ferran can play as a ‘9’. PSG won the Champions League without an specialist player in that area. Talking about a ‘9’ is a bit wrong, although there are good players (on the market).”

Deco speaks on Lewandowski’s future amid expiring contract

In the event of Barcelona not signing a new striker next summer, it would in increase the chances of Lewandowski being offered a contract extension. However, Deco has revealed that this is not currently in his thinking either.

“We are not going to talk about renewals in October. We are going little by little. He is one of the best strikers in recent years, at a high level. He helped us a lot. He has scored more than 40 goals, but we will analyse that. It’s time to talk about recovering injured players.”

Whether Barcelona can buy a top-level striker next summer is likely to depend on their financial situation, but it could be disastrous if someone does not arrive – whether Lewandowski stays or goes, although the latter is more likely considering that he will be 38 next August.