Barcelona has decided to change its strategy in the search for a reliable striker. After Victor Gyökeres was heavily linked in recent months as a potential addition to strengthen the attacking line, the Swedish forward is now very close to signing with Arsenal. Joan Laporta has opted to withdraw from the race and will not make a final bid.
Barcelona’s president maintains a clear and consistent plan regarding the number 9 position. In the short term, no significant investment will be made in this role, as the club is prioritizing reinforcements in defense and on the wings. The idea is to wait until 2026—when Robert Lewandowski’s contract expires—to facilitate his departure and free up both financial and salary space within the constraints of Financial Fair Play regulations.
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According to El Nacional, the vision within the Catalan club is becoming increasingly defined: Laporta wants Julián Álvarez to become Barcelona’s future striker. The Argentine, currently playing for Atlético Madrid, has impressed the president with his competitive mentality, technical quality, and sharp goal-scoring instincts. Since arriving from Manchester City last summer, he has established himself as one of La Liga’s standout attackers.
Álvarez has adapted quickly to Spanish football, and his personality fits seamlessly with Barcelona’s playing philosophy. He possesses remarkable attacking skills, remains young, and still has considerable room for growth. Laporta sees him as the perfect successor to Lewandowski—both in terms of playing style and leadership inside the penalty area.
This plan has not emerged overnight. For months, Laporta has been quietly working alongside the sporting department to build a competitive and financially sustainable project at Barcelona. While signing a top-level striker remains a long-term objective, the current financial situation makes a major deal in that position unfeasible at the moment.
As a result, the club will focus its efforts on reinforcing the most urgent areas—such as right-back, center-back, and potentially a goalkeeper, should Wojciech Szczęsny not remain with the squad. Lewandowski is expected to lead the frontline for another season, with Ferran Torres as his main alternative.
