Barcelona’s Striker Search Focused On Julian Alvarez

Barcelona have zeroed in on Atlético Madrid’s Julian Alvarez as the preferred solution to their looming No. 9 vacancy, with club officials convinced the 26-year-old Argentina international is open to a Camp Nou move once Robert Lewandowski’s contract expires this summer, sources have told this publication.

Lewandowski, 37, has amassed 115 goals in 179 competitive matches since arriving from Bayern Munich in 2022, but the club’s succession planners regard the final months of his deal as the natural moment to refresh the forward line. Sporting director Deco has placed Alvarez at the top of a shortlist that also features Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen and Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, though the latter trio are classified as either financially or age-problematic alternatives.

Deco’s reservations about investing heavily in players over 30 have effectively ruled out a pursuit of Kane, 32, despite the England captain’s prolific record in Germany. Osimhen and Marmoush, both 27, remain under discussion yet no formal enquiries have been lodged.

Atlético, for their part, are under no pressure to cash in. Alvarez is tied to the Metropolitano through 2030 and carries a CIES Football Observatory valuation of €112-130 million. Barcelona believe they will be in a position to table a “credible offer” once La Liga’s 1:1 salary rule is restored; club treasurer Ferran Olive confirmed the gap to compliance has narrowed to €12 million and insisted “Barça are in a condition to sign a top striker next summer.”

Internal options appear less reliable. Ferran Torres has struck 16 times in 35 games this season but only once in La Liga since the turn of 2026 and was hauled off after 64 minutes of last week’s Copa del Rey semi-final as Hansi Flick chased goals. Torres, entering the final 15 months of his deal, has not been approached over an extension. Dani Olmo was signed from RB Leipzig in 2024 with a false-nine brief in mind, yet injuries have restricted his deployment elsewhere on the pitch.

Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, is viewed exclusively as a wide forward; Barcelona remain committed to triggering the €30 million purchase clause in three €10 million instalments irrespective of how the centre-forward slot is filled.

Presidential elections on 15 March have slowed definitive movement in the market. Joan Laporta is the clear frontrunner, and sources say the sporting hierarchy will wait for leadership clarity before advancing negotiations with Atlético or any other selling club.

Barcelona’s financial rehabilitation and the strategic importance attached to landing a marquee striker in 2026 combine to make the coming months pivotal for Deco and his recruitment team. For now, all roads lead to Julian Alvarez.