Barca left searching for a new No. 9 after Lewandowski exit

Barcelona are still trying to find a replacement for Robert Lewandowski after the Poland international departed the Camp Nou this summer following the expiration of his contract. The Blaugrana spent much of the window chasing Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, but the Argentina international now looks almost certain to stay in the Spanish capital, leaving the Catalans to explore alternative options.

With the club having also lost Ferran Torres to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, Sporting director Deco has candidly acknowledged the scope of the task facing Hansi Flick's much-changed frontline.

Speaking during an exchange with the media in the aftermath of Wednesday's Joan Gamper Trophy match, Barca's transfer chief explained:

"We know we've lost two forwards, Robert and Ferran. We can cover Ferran's role with the additions we've already made, but replacing Robert is much more difficult. He's THE Robert Lewandowski, a player who made history who made history at this club, so replacing him won't be easy. We do have internal solutions, but we'll certainly make some moves."

Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi arrive, but a natural scorer is still lacking

Barcelona have added a pair of attacking profiles across the window to date, namely Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi. However, neither is considered a natural goalscoring striker, which is why Deco believes Ferran Torres's production can largely be covered by the new arrivals while an additional signing is still required to fully account for the loss of Lewandowski.

Ally McCoist: Harry Kane would 'run riot' at Barcelona

Newspaper rounds and transfer forums continue to throw up suggestions as to who should fill the No. 9 void. One of the more eye-catching proposals has come from former Rangers and Scotland striker Ally McCoist, who was in no doubt whatsoever when asked by Barca Blaugranes which player would be the perfect replacement for Lewandowski.

Speaking to the talkSPORT BET slots site, McCoist told:

"Harry Kane would run at Barcelona. He would absolutely run riot. I mean, they've had some fantastic centre forwards going back to Henry and Eto'o and all these boys, Lewandowski included. Kane would just be a natural one in there as well. You think of that team alongside him, Raphinha, little Lamine, all these boys.

"The job he's doing at Bayern Munich is incredible. But that would be a natural position for him to just fill. I think he's really settled in Germany and he loves it, and they love him, and so they should. I don't see that changing, but he could play there, no problem at all."

There were rumours linking Kane with a move to Barcelona earlier this summer, though it now looks as though he will extend his contract at Bayern Munich. As for Barcelona, the search for a new No. 9 continues.