Barcelona Target Brighton's João Pedro as Lewandowski Succession Plan Takes Shape
Sporting director Deco and advisor Bojan Krkić travel to London as Barcelona pursue the Brazilian forward who scored 20 goals last season
Barcelona have dispatched sporting director Deco and advisor Bojan Krkić to London for negotiations with Brighton over Brazilian forward pedro" class="entity-link entity-link--player">João Pedro, signalling their intent to secure a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
The 20-goal striker has emerged as Barcelona's primary target as they prepare for life after their Polish talisman, who turns 37 next August.
Why João Pedro Makes Perfect Sense for Barcelona's Evolution
João Pedro represents everything Barcelona seek in their modern recruitment strategy. At 23 years old, the Brazilian international offers a decade of potential service compared to Lewandowski's remaining seasons.
His breakthrough campaign at Brighton showcased remarkable versatility:
- 20 goals across all competitions in his first full Premier League season
- Comfortable playing as a central striker or from wide positions
- Proven ability to link play and create chances for teammates
- Experience in both possession-based and counter-attacking systems
The Brazilian Connection
Barcelona's pursuit of João Pedro continues their strategic pivot toward Brazilian talent. The club already fields Raphinha on the right wing and invested in young striker Vitor Roque last January.
This Brazilian core offers technical compatibility with Barcelona's traditional style while adding the physicality and directness often lacking in recent squads.
Barcelona see João Pedro as the ideal profile - young, versatile, and already adapted to European football's intensity.
The Lewandowski Dilemma: Still Scoring but Time's Ticking
robert-lewandowski" class="entity-link entity-link--player">Robert Lewandowski continues defying age with 19 goals in 35 appearances this season, maintaining his status as Barcelona's primary attacking threat. Yet the club's hierarchy recognises the danger of waiting too long to secure his successor.
Contract Considerations
Lewandowski's current deal runs until June 2026, with the striker earning approximately €20 million net per season. His wage represents one of Barcelona's largest financial commitments.
Moving for João Pedro now allows Barcelona to:
- Integrate a successor gradually rather than desperately
- Potentially recoup transfer fees from Lewandowski's sale while he retains market value
- Reduce their wage bill significantly
- Lower the average age of their attacking options
Performance Metrics Tell the Story
While Lewandowski's goal output remains impressive, deeper metrics reveal subtle decline. His pressing intensity has dropped 15% compared to his first Barcelona season, and his involvement in build-up play has diminished.
João Pedro, by contrast, covered more ground per 90 minutes than any Brighton forward last season whilst maintaining his scoring rate.
Deco's Brazilian Blueprint: Building Barcelona's Next Dynasty
Sporting director Deco has championed a clear recruitment philosophy since assuming his role: target young Brazilian talent before prices become prohibitive.
The Strategy in Action
Barcelona's recent Brazilian acquisitions follow a pattern:
- Raphinha (2022): €58 million from Leeds United
- Vitor Roque (2024): €30 million plus variables from Athletico Paranaense
- João Pedro (target): Expected fee around €40-50 million
Each signing targets players on the cusp of elite status rather than established superstars commanding premium fees.
Financial Creativity Required
Barcelona's well-documented financial constraints mean any deal for João Pedro requires creative structuring. The presence of both Deco and Bojan in London suggests serious intent to find a workable formula.
Potential deal structures could include:
- Staggered payments over multiple seasons
- Performance-based add-ons
- Player exchanges to reduce upfront costs
- Sell-on clauses benefiting Brighton
The involvement of Bojan Krkić, who played in England with Stoke City, adds valuable Premier League insight to negotiations.
What Happens Next
Barcelona's delegation in London signals immediate intent, though Brighton hold strong negotiating position with João Pedro under contract until 2028. The Seagulls have no pressure to sell their star striker mid-season.
Summer 2025 appears the most realistic timeline for any transfer, giving Barcelona time to structure finances and João Pedro another season to enhance his value. Lewandowski's future likely depends on these negotiations - success could accelerate his departure, while failure might extend his Camp Nou career by necessity.
SportSignals is an independent publication. Views expressed are our own.
Sources
This article is based on reporting from the publications above. Specific facts and quotes are credited inline where used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Barcelona targeting João Pedro from Brighton?
Barcelona see the 23-year-old Brazilian as the ideal long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who turns 37 next August. João Pedro scored 20 goals last season and offers versatility across attacking positions.
How much does Robert Lewandowski earn at Barcelona?
Lewandowski earns approximately €20 million net per season under his current contract that runs until June 2026. His wage represents one of Barcelona's largest financial commitments.
