In a bid to reclaim its place among Europe’s football elite, FC Barcelona is actively preparing to strengthen its squad during the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Catalan giants, once a dominant force both domestically and on the international stage, are determined to stage a powerful return to European football’s biggest competitions after several years without major continental success.
Central to these plans is the potential recruitment of Argentine striker Julián Álvarez, who is being considered as a long-term replacement for the experienced Robert Lewandowski.
The Polish forward, now 37, remains under contract with Barcelona until 2026, but the club is already laying the groundwork for the future of its attack. Álvarez, currently contracted to Atlético Madrid until 2030, has reportedly attracted serious interest from Barcelona’s management following a standout debut season with his club.
According to reports from the Spanish newspaper Sport, Álvarez’s name has been heavily discussed at Camp Nou. The club’s hierarchy views him as a promising prospect who could eventually take over from Lewandowski at the heart of Barcelona’s front line.
His impressive performances with Atlético Madrid have made him a top target for Barcelona’s sporting director Deco and club president Joan Laporta.
Fernando Hidalgo, Álvarez’s agent, recently addressed the transfer speculation in media interviews. He acknowledged that while Álvarez is currently committed to Atlético, the football world is unpredictable, and talks between both clubs could eventually materialize.
Hidalgo mentioned that although Atlético intends to keep the striker for next season, Álvarez holds deep admiration for Spanish football and Barcelona in particular — a sentiment rooted in his childhood admiration for Lionel Messi.
The agent also expressed gratitude for the positive feedback Álvarez has received from several Barcelona players and club members, which has served as a source of motivation for the Argentine forward.
While Barcelona is not expected to alter its striker position this summer, given Lewandowski’s existing contract and substantial €26 million salary in his final year, the club is proactively exploring future options.
Álvarez, with his goal-scoring ability, tactical flexibility, and significant international experience — having achieved success with both the Argentine national team and Manchester City — is seen as a perfect match for new manager Hansi Flick’s system. Additionally, his potential partnership with rising star Lamine Yamal makes him an appealing prospect for both sporting and commercial reasons.
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