Transfer Centre

Barcelona 'put together four-man striker shortlist ahead of summer market'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 04 May 2022

Borussia Dortmund's Erling Braut Haaland, Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski, Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku are transfer targets for Barcelona, according to a report.

Barcelona are reportedly determined to bring a new forward to Camp Nou during this summer's transfer window.

The Catalan giants signed both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ferran Torres during the January market, and the pair have impressed in the second half of the season, with the former scoring 11 times and registering one assist in 19 appearances, while the latter has seven goals and six assists in 22 outings.

Xavi's side are likely to allow Memphis Depay to leave this summer, though, while the futures of Ousmane Dembele, Martin Braithwaite, Adama Traore and Luuk de Jong are unclear.

As a result, Barcelona are allegedly planning to enter the market for a new forward this summer, and four players have seemingly been placed on the club's shortlist.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Borussia Dortmund's Erling Braut Haaland, Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski, Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku are all of interest.

Borussia Dortmund's Erling Braut Haaland celebrates scoring their first goal on January 22, 2022 © Reuters

Barcelona are said to view Haaland as the leading target but will struggle to afford the Norway international, as the overall deal could cost in the region of £300m with agent fees and player wages.

Lewandowski also continues to be linked with a move to Camp Nou, with the Poland international's contract at Allianz Arena due to expire in June 2023.

Bayern are working to sign the experienced striker to a new deal, though, with the two parties currently in discussions over a fresh agreement with the Bundesliga champions.

Salah's contract at Liverpool, meanwhile, is also due to expire in June 2023, and the Reds are finding it difficult to agree an extension with the Egypt international.

Barcelona chiefs are said to be huge admirers of Salah but accept that it will be difficult to sign the forward, who is still expected to sign a new deal at Anfield despite the recent speculation surrounding his future.

Mohamed Salah in action for Liverpool on April 27, 2022 © Reuters

Lukaku is perhaps the most realistic option on the alleged shortlist, with the Belgium international struggling to make his mark since returning to Chelsea in a £97.5m deal last summer.

The 28-year-old has only scored five Premier League goals this season, while he has not completed a league fixture for Thomas Tuchel's side since the middle of February.

However, while Chelsea could be open to a sale, Lukaku would not be available on the cheap, as the Champions League holders paid close to £100m to bring him back to the club from Inter Milan.

Barcelona have had their problems this season, suffering disappointment in both the Champions League and Europa League, while Real Madrid have already won La Liga with four matches to spare.

However, the Catalan outfit are in pole position to secure second spot in the La Liga table, while they are almost guaranteed a top-four finish ahead of their final four league games of the season, which would see them compete in the Champions League again next term.