Barcelona told why Julian Alvarez is a better option than Dusan Vlahovic

Barcelona’s search for a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski has narrowed to two high-profile names—Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic—yet the club’s former scout Bojan Krkic Sr. insists only one fits the Blaugrana blueprint.

Speaking to Cadena Ser, Krkic Sr. urged the Catalan giants to keep Lewandowski for another season while simultaneously recruiting a new starting center-forward who can both understudy and eventually supplant the Polish veteran. “I would renew his contract, but I would sign a starting center forward,” he said. “Lewandowski is useful for these types of matches, when you’re dominating, when you’re creating plays, and he perfectly accepts the role without complaining, as he has had to do this year.”

The crux of Krkic Sr.’s argument centers on stylistic compatibility. While Vlahovic will be available on a free transfer next summer, the Serbian’s skill set is deemed mismatched for Barça’s possession-heavy approach. “Vlahovic is a very good striker, but he’s better suited to attacking transitions, counter-attacks, finding space… but tight spaces and link-up play aren’t his strong suits,” the scout explained.

In contrast, Alvarez—though likely beyond Barcelona’s current financial reach—earned glowing praise. “[Alvarez] is an ideal player for Barça’s attack. Plus, he gives you the option of playing on the wing,” Krkic Sr. added, highlighting the Argentine’s versatility and technical sharpness as tailor-made for the club’s intricate passing patterns.

With economic constraints looming, Barcelona must decide whether to gamble on Vlahovic’s bargain availability or find creative funding to pursue Alvarez, the candidate endorsed from inside the club’s own scouting corridors.