Barcelona sporting director Deco has made clear the club will not rush a decision on Robert Lewandowski and warned supporters against fixating on a marquee replacement such as Erling Haaland. Deco told Catalunya Ràdio that talks over the striker’s future will take place later in the campaign and that the club is taking a measured approach.

“We’re not going to talk about renewals in October,” he said. “We’re going step by step.

“[Lewandowski] is one of the best forwards of recent years, a top-level player. He’s helped us a lot. He’s scored more than 40 goals, but we’ll analyze that later. It’s time to talk about recovering injured players.”

The door to a short-term extension for Lewandowski, who has four goals in seven games this season, remains open, Deco confirmed, but the club will prioritise other issues before making a decision on a contract renewal.

Deco also sought to dampen talk linking Barcelona to big-money forwards such as Haaland or Alvarez. He questioned whether the team requires a traditional centre forward and pointed to alternative models used elsewhere in Europe.

He cited Paris Saint-Germain’s use of Ousmane Dembélé in a more fluid attacking role and highlighted Ferran Torres, who has scored five goals in all competitions during 2025–26, as a player capable of occupying similar spaces.

“If someone told me there was someone like Lewandowski on the market, we’d go for him,” Deco conceded. “But I don’t think this is the time to talk about signings.

“We have Ferran right now, who can fill that role. And we shouldn’t obsess. If you look at PSG, they’ve won a Champions League title without a number 9 in the box.

“Obsessing over that is a mistake, and it’s not the time to talk about this.”

Deco’s comments signal a cautious stance from the club: acknowledge Lewandowski’s contribution, keep renewal discussions for later, and resist an immediate hunt for a like-for-like superstar.

Ronald Araújo reportedly turned down multiple moves during the summer transfer window as Barcelona considered his exit. Nothing materialised and his release clause reverted to its original, sizeable figure.

The Uruguayan defender made clear he wanted to remain at Barcelona after a difficult 2024–25 season and aimed to return to his best with the only European club he has played for. Upon returning from vacation for Barcelona’s preseason training, Araújo was asked if he would continue with the club, simply answering, “If it’s up to me, yes.” His current contract runs through the end of the 2030–31 season.

Araújo missed six months during the 2024–25 campaign and struggled to find his best form on his return. He was never able to fully lock down a spot in Hansi Flick’s lineup and was later deemed the main culprit for Barcelona’s Champions League elimination against Inter Milan.

As the 2025–26 season progresses the defender is fighting for a starting role. In the aftermath of Iñigo Martínez’s departure, Araújo’s presence within the squad grew in importance and he has started Barcelona’s last three league games, wearing the captain’s armband on each occasion.

Despite those starts and the increased responsibility, Eric García and Pau Cubarsí appear to be Hansi Flick’s preferred centre back pairing, based on how the manager has deployed personnel in the bigger matches so far this term. Araújo’s decision to reject summer approaches and commit to regaining form places him in direct competition for minutes as Barcelona balance experience, recent form and tactical choices.

The coming weeks will determine whether Araújo can translate his commitment into consistent selection and reclaim a regular starting role under Flick for the current campaign.

Midweek delivers a full slate of Champions League fixtures and a chance for several clubs to set the tone for the 2025/26 league phase. Manchester City and Arsenal return after measured wins in Gameweek 1, while Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are both chasing first victories following their 4–4 draw two weeks ago.

Kick-off times begin at 5.45 p.m. BST for the early pair of matches before the main evening programme at 8 p.m. BST.

Qarabag made history in Gameweek 1 as the first Azerbaijani side to win in the Champions League proper, recovering from a two-goal deficit in Lisbon to overcome Benfica, who have since replaced Bruno Lage with José Mourinho. Copenhagen drew 2–2 with Bayer Leverkusen last time out. Prediction: Qarabag 1–1 Copenhagen.

The Belgians are coming, folks. Union Saint-Gilloise upset PSV Eindhoven at the Philips Stadion in Gameweek 1 and will host Newcastle United at the Joseph Marien Stadium. Newcastle sit 15th in the Premier League and lost 2–1 to Barcelona in their opening group game. Prediction: Union Saint-Gilloise 0–0 Newcastle.

Arsenal meet Olympiacos in a fixture that renews a long European rivalry that has produced mixed results for both clubs. Arsenal have evolved considerably since earlier Europa League exits. Prediction: Arsenal 4–0 Olympiacos.

With echoes of last season’s continental showpiece, Barcelona face Paris Saint-Germain in what is billed as a heavyweight clash despite injuries on both sides. Strap in. Prediction: Barcelona 3–2 Paris Saint-Germain.

Kasper Hjulmand has gone four games unbeaten since taking the Bayer Leverkusen job; Leverkusen drew in Copenhagen thanks to a stoppage-time own goal. PSV, still led by Peter Bosz, will seek a response. Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 2–1 PSV Eindhoven.

Borussia Dortmund must recover from squandering a lead to Juventus two weeks ago but remain unbeaten domestically. Athletic Club impressed against Arsenal in Gameweek 1. Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 3–0 Athletic Club.

Manchester City travel to Monaco, recalling Guardiola’s team that bowed out to a Monaco side in 2016–17. Monaco need a response after defeat to Club Brugge. Prediction: Monaco 1–3 Man City.

Napoli will look to rebound after recent setbacks and a red card for Giovanni Di Lorenzo earlier; Sporting CP visit following a comfortable win over Kairat Almaty. Prediction: Napoli 2–0 Sporting CP.

Marcelino’s Villarreal face Juventus, who have begun well under Igor Tudor despite a draw with Atalanta. This should be tight. Prediction: Villarreal 2–1 Juventus.