Barcelona has set its sights on €100 million-rated Atletico Madrid star as the ideal successor to their veteran.
FC Barcelona is carefully planning for the long term while they are seeing the final days of their star striker.
At 36 years old, he had a fantastic 2024/25 season, scoring 42 goals in all competitions, and even led the club to a domestic Treble.
However, given the uncertainty of his longevity and the poor form towards the end of the previous season, Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco are seeking a long-term solution to support Barcelona’s lucrative attacking structure.
Financial Fair Play issues make the search complicated, but the club has not given up on signing a successor who can lead them up front.
As per Diario Sport, Atletico Madrid’s Julián Álvarez emerged as the prime candidate to succeed Robert Lewandowski.
The 25-year-old Argentine joined Atletico for €75 million, plus €15 million in add-ons, from Manchester City in 2024 and dazzled in La Liga, scoring 29 goals and recording six assists in 53 appearances.
His versatility, work rate, and ability to finish would blend seamlessly in Flick’s high-pressing setup, and supporting him with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal would make for a strong frontline.
Although Álvarez can’t leave until 2030, his agent, Fernando Hidalgo, hinted a deal could be made, noting that football negotiations change all the time.
It won’t be easy to sign Álvarez because Atletico Madrid doesn’t want to sell them to a domestic competitor, while also paying his €150 million release clause would be financially difficult.
Barcelona is investigating options around player exchanges to reduce the cost, but nobody has mentioned names.
Álvarez’s admiration for Barcelona and positive feedback from players like Pau Cubarsí add extra appeal as the Spanish international looks to leave Atletico.
As they prepare to enter the 2025/26 season and a post-Lewandowski era, signing Álvarez represents an exciting opportunity for Barcelona to combine youth and proven quality on the pitch for future success.
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