Barcelona line up Julian Alvarez as No.1 target for 2026

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has identified Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as the top target for next summer (h/t Diario Sport).

The Catalan club are looking to bring in a long-term successor for Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires next summer, and Alvarez is the chosen one.

The Argentine World Cup winner moved to Atletico from Manchester City in a €95 million deal last summer, and made an indelible impact in his debut season.

The 25-year-old bagged 29 goals and eight assists in all competitions in the 2024/25 season and has continued his brilliant form this season, despite Atletico’s shaky start.

He scored a stellar hat-trick in the comeback win against Rayo Vallecano before stealing the spotlight with a double in the 5-2 win against Real Madrid over the weekend.

Barca have been monitoring his progress, but they will face huge financial hurdles for his signing.

Alvarez has a release clause worth €500m in his contract, and Atletico will at least demand around €200m to part ways with him, making it a near impossible deal for Barca to pull off.

More high-profile departures and slashing of wage bills could only make Alvarez’s deal feasible.

Barca could also look at the alternative options like Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic, who will be available for free in the summer of 2026.

The Catalan giants are said to be monitoring the Serbian’s progress alongside some of the top European clubs.

Vlahovic still finds himself down the pecking order behind Jonathan David and Lois Lopenda despite his brilliant run of form. The Bianconeri are open to selling him to get rid of his enormous salary off the books.

Barca are also considering promoting Ferran Torres as the new leader of the attack post Lewandowski’s departure. 

The Spanish international has become a regular starter this season, netting four goals in seven La Liga games.