Barcelona has already begun preparing for the post-Robert Lewandowski era. Although his contract runs until June 2026, the club’s management is aware that his tenure as the team’s attacking leader is coming to an end.
While the number 9 shirt will remain a staple in the squad next season, the sporting directors have begun working on a plan to find a reliable replacement to lead the attack as part of Barcelona’s future project.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper El Nacional, Julián Álvarez—currently at Atlético Madrid after his shock departure from Manchester City last summer—is the ideal choice, according to several club insiders.
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His playing style, youth, adaptability, and influence both inside and outside the penalty area make him a strong candidate to carry the banner of Barcelona’s attack in the coming seasons.
Barcelona is not planning a sudden revolution in the attacking line. Barring any unexpected developments, the 2025/26 season will be Lewandowski’s last as a key attacking reference. However, his playing time is expected to gradually decrease, with Ferran Torres given a greater role.
With the summer of 2026 approaching, both Joan Laporta and Deco agree that the team needs a “significant attacking impact,” and they see Álvarez as the most desirable signing for the sporting directors at the moment.
His good relationships with team stars like Pedri and Lamine Yamal reinforce this trend within the dressing room.
What Pedri and Yamal admire most about Julián Álvarez is his versatility, his ability to communicate with his teammates, and his highly competitive mentality.
The Argentine has already demonstrated his ability to score goals, provide assists, press high, and adapt to different match conditions during his season with Atlético.
He is a striker with the soul of a midfielder, able to link up with the wingers and facilitate attacks, perfectly in line with Barcelona’s traditional style.
Álvarez possesses a rare combination of youth and international experience, both in Europe and with the Argentine national team, with whom he won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Although his first season with Atlético Madrid didn’t result in any major trophies, his performances were impressive and caught the attention of the Camp Nou officials.
Although signing him won’t be easy, especially since Atlético paid a large sum to acquire him from Manchester City and won’t let him go easily, Barcelona believes the player’s lack of trophies in the coming seasons may ignite his desire for a new challenge.
Julián’s good connections with stars like Pedri and Yamal could play a pivotal role in convincing him to make the move.
The club believes his inclusion in a project focused on young talent could provide him with an ideal opportunity to take his career to the next level, becoming the striker who can return Barcelona to the top of European football.
