Barcelona Identify ‘New Julián Alvarez’ As Alternative to Atlético Madrid Striker

Barcelona have set their sights on Manchester City’s Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush as a cost-effective solution to their search for a versatile No. 9, with club officials believing the 27-year-old could replicate the impact Julián Álvarez has made since leaving the Etihad, sources have told SPORT.

Marmoush, signed by City last summer after a prolific breakout campaign at Eintracht Frankfurt, has struggled for minutes in his debut season in England, making only ten starts across all competitions. A knee injury in September and international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations further stalled his progress, restricting him to a solitary Premier League goal and no Champions League strikes.

Those limited returns have not deterred Barcelona, who monitored the forward during his Bundesliga exploits and briefly considered him as a potential successor to Robert Lewandowski twelve months ago. Lewandowski ultimately remained at Spotify Camp Nou, but with his long-term future now clouded in uncertainty, sporting staff have revisited the idea of adding a mobile, system-versatile attacker who can operate both through the middle and in wider channels.

The Catalans’ admiration for Álvarez remains strong; the Argentine is still viewed internally as the dream reinforcement for 2025-26. Yet Atlético Madrid slapped an approximate €150 million valuation on their star after a sensational first season in red and white, a figure that would stretch Barcelona’s delicate finances beyond comfort. In contrast, Marmoush—who finds himself behind Erling Haaland and a deep pool of attacking talent in Pep Guardiola’s squad—could be available for half that sum or lower should he petition for a fresh start.

Barcelona, described by sources close to the negotiation as “prepared,” hope to exploit the same pathway Álvarez used when he sought a “new challenge” away from City, believing Marmoush’s desire for regular minutes could persuade the Premier League champions to sanction an exit at a negotiable price. With sporting department officials convinced the Egypt international ticks every tactical and technical box on their forward checklist, formal contact is expected once the summer window approaches.