The former River striker, a key player at Atlético de Madrid, is Joan Laporta's main target for the European summer of 2026
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Julián Álvarez is living a dream in Spain. He just scored two goals in Atlético de Madrid's 5-2 victory in the clásico against Real Madrid, and just days later, he made headlines again: FC Barcelona has him in their sights as the club's next number nine.
According to the newspaper SPORT, the club's president, Joan Laporta, is determined to make a significant investment to secure the world champion striker's transfer, whom they described as "the chosen number nine." The idea is for La Araña to become the natural heir to Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires in mid-2026.
Laporta quiere a Julián Álvarez
This isn't the first time Julián has appeared on Barcelona's radar. In the last transfer window, his agent Fernando Hidalgo kept the dream alive by stating that the player from Córdoba has always admired the great Spanish clubs and the figure of Lionel Messi, which brings Barça's dream even closer.
The main obstacle to completing the deal is financial. Julián Álvarez is under contract with Atlético until mid-2030 and has a release clause of 500 million euros. Barcelona would seek to negotiate an amount close to 200 million, although everything will depend on Atlético's and the player's willingness. Lewandowski's potential departure could also free up the necessary salary cap space to register the Argentine in La Liga.
Una posible salida de Lewandoski facilitaría las cuestiones salariales
Meanwhile, SPORT also mentioned Erling Haaland as an alternative. The Norwegian, who at one point displaced Julián at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, appears as another candidate on the list, although Barcelona's greatest desire is to secure La Araña.
