Deco rubs his hands over a rising star: replacement for Robert Lewandowski at zero cost

Although the transfer market closed weeks ago, the sporting management of Barça is still working tirelessly. Deco has been scouring the market for months in search of a reliable "9" who can replace Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker's contract ends in 2026, and unless there is a surprise, he isn't expected to stay at Barça.

Next summer, Lewandowski will turn 38, and the club knows perfectly well that he can't keep playing forever. They are preparing his replacement, although numerous names have emerged, nothing is certain or definitive. The striker's position is very specific, goals come at a price, and the figures for a top-class finisher are astronomical.

Deals, as of today, are very complicated for Barça, which still hasn't solved the issue of financial fair play. Names like Viktor Gyökeres or Alexander Isak have been on the table, but they ended up in the Premier League. Deco is monitoring the new gem from La Masia, who is establishing himself as one of the great attacking prospects from the Barça academy.

Òscar Gistau, the new gem of the academy

La Masia has become, for years now, Barça's greatest asset, where some of the best players in the world have been developed. The examples of Leo Messi, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, Sergio Busquets, and many others are on everyone's mind. To all of them, we must add the current generations like Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Bernal, Casadó, etc.

In the lower categories, other players with undeniable talent are also rising strongly, such as striker Òscar Gistau. The 17-year-old forward, born in Salou, is already considered a reference striker within his generation. His career at Barça began in the youth ranks until he established himself in the reserve team.

A striker with great scoring instinct

Òscar Gistau has earned a reputation as a goal-scoring striker, making him a constant threat to opposing defenses. He stands out for a series of innate qualities such as his powerful shot, anticipation, and aerial ability. In international competitions, he has already shown his entire repertoire.

For instance, against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Youth League, he scored a brace against the German team. Barça ended up winning the international trophy, and Gistau established himself as one of the leading scorers in the category. With a contract until 2027, the club considers him a future project for the first team.

Gistau's talent hasn't gone unnoticed by the lower categories of the Spanish national team. The Catalan striker has already been drafted several times for the U-16 and U-17 teams, where he has already scored important goals. His ability to perform in international contexts reinforces the club's confidence that he can go very far.