Barcelona’s transfer plans are already heating up for the summer of 2026, with focus firmly on the centre-forward position.
The club has been monitoring the market closely, weighing options to strengthen the squad ahead of next season.
Fans and pundits have speculated on potential targets, particularly as Barcelona continue to juggle financial fair play rules and the wage bill.
With La Liga and Champions League campaigns in full swing, president Joan Laporta is keen to make a statement signing that excites supporters.
Attention has particularly turned to securing a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski, whose contract is set to expire.
The main target for the Blaugrana is Julian Alvarez, the Atletico Madrid and Argentina striker, who has impressed both domestically and internationally.
According to David Bernabeu of SPORT, Laporta has long admired Julian Alvarez, going back to his time at Manchester City.
The Barcelona president views him as the No. 1 target for next summer and believes he could be the ideal replacement for Lewandowski.
Interest in Alvarez was first sparked in 2024, but Barcelona’s confidence in Lewandowski, combined with financial limitations, prevented any move, and Alvarez subsequently joined Atletico Madrid, where he has firmly established himself as one of the top forwards in La Liga.
Signing Alvarez will not come without challenges.
The striker is contracted to Atletico until 2030 with a €500 million release clause, and the club has no financial incentive to sell.
Barcelona are aware that any negotiations would likely require a minimum offer of €200 million, making it one of the most expensive potential transfers in recent history.
However, Barcelona do have factors in their favour.
Lewandowski’s departure would free up €26 million in gross salary and an additional €12.5 million in amortisation, giving the club a total of €38.5 million in available funds for registrations under financial fair play regulations.
Additionally, Alvarez has personal ties to Barcelona; he has admitted that Lionel Messi was his childhood idol, a detail confirmed by his agent Fernando Hidalgo earlier this year.
This connection could be instrumental in persuading the striker to consider a move to Camp Nou.
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