As part of its ongoing quest to regain its place among the giants of European football, Barcelona is making ambitious plans to bolster its squad in the upcoming summer transfer window. The Catalan club, which has long been a symbol of domestic and international success, aims to make a strong return to the European stage after a period of absence from Champions League triumphs.
In light of this, the Spanish club is considering signing Argentine striker Julián Álvarez to replace Polish forward Robert Lewandowski, whose contract with Barcelona is nearing its end. The 37-year-old Polish international is under contract with the Catalan side until the summer transfer window of 2026.
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Meanwhile, the 25-year-old Argentine striker Julián Álvarez has a contract with Atlético Madrid that runs until the summer of 2030.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper Sport, Álvarez’s name has resurfaced strongly within Barcelona’s corridors after a stellar debut season with Atlético Madrid. He is now firmly on the radar of Barcelona’s sporting management as a potential future replacement for Lewandowski.
Álvarez’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, said in press statements:
“His daily life is currently with Atlético. We will see how negotiations between the club and Barcelona unfold. Football changes a lot. We must speak with the club, which will assess the situation, and from there, negotiations will take place between the three parties.”
He added,
“The player has received many calls, but Atlético’s position is that Julián will continue next season. He admires Spanish clubs, and having followed Leo’s career since childhood, I don’t think there are many Argentines who don’t feel something for Barcelona—especially after the level he has shown this season.”
He concluded by saying,
“Julián Álvarez is very grateful to the many Barcelona members who have spoken positively about him, such as center-back Pau Cubarsí, and this gives him great motivation.”
Sport confirmed that Álvarez’s name is not new to the Barcelona offices, as his playing style appeals to the board—especially President Joan Laporta and Technical Director Deco. He is a young striker who scores goals, has strong vision, works hard for the team, and offers tactical flexibility. Despite his youth, he also brings extensive experience, having won everything with the Argentine national team and Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.
The report concluded by stating that no changes are expected in the striker position this summer, as Lewandowski’s contract runs until 2026, with a total salary of €26 million due in his final season. However, the club is already considering a successor, and in that regard, Julián Álvarez fits perfectly—both technically and from a marketing perspective. He is seen as an ideal fit for Hansi Flick’s playing style, especially given the potential for strong synergy with the team’s rising star, Lamine Yamal.
