BARCELONA TARGETS LAUTARO MARTíNEZ: IS HE LEWANDOWSKI'S TRUE SUCCESSOR
Inter's Martínez is a "key target" for Barcelona. We analyse if the prolific forward can thrive outside of a two-striker system to replace the veteran Lewandowski.
Reports say Barcelona is looking at Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez. This move could answer a question mark that has been hanging over his head for the last seven years while he has been in Serie A. But is he the right fit?
The Barcelona board is now thinking about who will take over for Robert Lewandowski. They know he is a great centre-forward, proven by his record of 109 goals in 163 matches for the team, but this will not last forever. The Polish striker is 37, and his goal numbers are still high this season, but it feels like it is only a matter of time before he starts to decline.
To prepare for that time, Barcelona wants a striker who is about 10–15 years younger. One option they like is Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, but it will be hard to get him from their LaLiga rivals.
So, Barcelona is looking at more players, and sources say that Martinez of Inter Milan is another ‘key target.’
Martinez is 28 years old and has scored 163 goals in 352 appearances for Inter, plus 10 goals in 17 games this season. He has a track record.
But if Barcelona begins to think about whether they want Martinez, there is something they need to think about before going all in.
During his seven and a half years with Inter, Martinez has almost always played in a formation with two strikers.
This is rare these days, but Inter has had success with a 3-5-2 shape under coaches like Antonio Conte and Simone Inzaghi.
But if Martinez wants to take his success and move it to a system that depends on one centre forward, can he be the main guy?
Martinez’s time with Inter makes you start asking questions.
At first, he assisted striker Mauro Icardi. Then, for the next few years, he played off Romelu Lukaku. After that, he was combined with Edin Dzeko, and his striker partner is now Marcus Thuram.
Martinez has always partnered with a bigger striker who acts as the focal point. Yes, sometimes he has scored more goals than them—he was Inter’s top scorer for three seasons in a row from 2021 to 2024—but would he have scored as much without a target man next to him?
At Barcelona, wingers like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal would create chances for him. But on paper, he does not have the same skills as Lewandowski.
That does not mean he cannot play as a lone striker. He just has not had the chance to try to do it for Inter because their tactics are working. He has sometimes done it for Argentina, and he has scored on some of those occasions, but doing it on a regular basis at the club level might be another thing.
REPORT: HANSI FLICK RELEGATES MARC-ANDRé TER STEGEN TO THIRD CHOICE; GIRONA MOVE NOW HIGHLY LIKELY
Girona are planning a shock January loan for Marc-André ter Stegen. Can the Catalan side agree on wages with Barcelona today?
Girona's management is planning to sign a big La Liga player: Barcelona's Marc-André ter Stegen.
Mundo Deportivo recently reported Girona's surprising interest, saying they're ready to get the German keeper this winter if they get a chance.
Signing a player like him costs a lot, but Girona is determined to do what it takes to make their team stronger. They can't afford to buy him outright, so they're looking at a loan. For that to happen, either Ter Stegen or Barcelona needs to give up quite a bit of money.
Girona thinks the 33-year-old German would quickly fix their goalie problem. They're hoping his presence will steady the defense and bring leadership.
The report also mentions that the player is open to the move. At 33, he needs to play every week to stay the starting goalie for Germany in the next World Cup.
Barcelona seems okay with letting him go for a while, but the money is still the issue. Girona just can't afford his full salary without help.
It all depends on two things: Barcelona will have to pay part of his wages, or Ter Stegen must take a pay cut to join Estadi Montilivi. Previous reports said Barcelona doesn't want to force their captain out. Aston Villa has also reportedly reached out to the German.
Barcelona should value the player more than his salary.
Barcelona needs to be smart about this. They need to protect their finances while taking care of a club legend who still has a lot of value. There's no point in keeping a top earner on the bench. Instead, the team should make the loan happen to keep him in shape all season.
If the German just sits around, his transfer value will drop. The club would also lose their advantage when it's time to sell him later. Joan Laporta and Deco should work out a deal where they cover some of his pay. They should view that cost as an investment to keep his value high, not just waste money.
Looking ahead, this move seems like the end of Ter Stegen's time at Camp Nou. If he leaves now, it clearly shows that Barcelona is moving on to younger goalies. The clubs will probably find a compromise on the wages soon. Everyone wants this to happen. Girona gets a top-notch goalie, Barcelona eases some tension in the locker room, and Ter Stegen gets to chase his World Cup dreams.
BARCELONA MOVE FOR FORMER LA MASIA STAR ADRIAN BERNABé BEFORE VALUE SKYROCKETS
Barcelona is eyeing a reunion with La Masia graduate Adrian Bernabé. Discover how the Parma star became an affordable target.
Barcelona is super aware that money is tight, and they can't just sign anyone they want. They need to be smart about who they bring in, focusing on players who won't break the bank and who will fit how the team plays.
With this in mind, Barca has been watching a familiar face: Adrian Bernabe. He used to play in Barca's youth system and has been doing well in Italy, according to Fichajes.
The club thinks he's grown into a player who would do well in their current system. At 24, he's a key player for Parma and could be a good addition to the team.
Bernabe is mainly a central midfielder. He left Barcelona for Manchester City back in 2018, hoping to learn a lot. He played a bit under Pep Guardiola but didn't get a ton of playing time because of the competition.
That's why he moved to Parma in 2021, which seemed like a step down at the time. But it was a good move. Parma trusted him and gave him a big role, which helped him grow.
He really stepped up as a leader, running the midfield and controlling the game. He was a big part of Parma getting promoted to Serie A, and this season he's been playing great.
Barcelona likes Bernabe because he's got skills, vision, and understands how to play his position. He's good at moving the ball, making smart passes, and playing with discipline. Plus, he can shoot from far out and is good on set pieces, which is a bonus.
This wouldn't be a huge signing, but it fits with what Barcelona is trying to do right now, which is get players who are ready to play right away without costing too much. The fact that Bernabe came up through La Masia and played under Guardiola is a plus.
He's got a contract with Parma until 2027, so Barca would have to talk to them to make a deal. Still, his age, how much he makes, and his familiarity with Barcelona's style of play make him an affordable option.
Apparently, people close to Bernabe are happy about Barcelona's interest, but there's no rush to make anything happen just yet.
Barcelona will keep watching him as things progress. Bringing back a former player who has developed somewhere else would suit the club's current plans.
They're definitely interested; they like what he can do, and he's still an option as Barcelona tries to strengthen the team without losing sight of their values.