Barca 'stunned' by the price of Julian Alvarez

Barcelona is preparing to search for a new center forward to succeed Robert Lewandowski in the long run, and the name the Camp Nou leadership has set their sights on is Julian Alvarez.

According to Diario Sport, Sporting director Deco and the Barca board have pinpointed Alvarez as their number one target for the 2026 summer transfer window. The 25-year-old striker's recent outstanding form has attracted attention from experts and Spanish media alike, with Barca viewing him as the “perfect piece” for their attack.

With Lewandowski now 37 years old, Barca is rushing to find a successor. Alvarez, who won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and had an impressive spell at Manchester City, is considered an ideal choice due to his versatility, speed, and clinical finishing ability.

Although Barca has shown clear interest, acquiring Alvarez will not be easy. Sources from Spain confirm that Atletico Madrid, who currently own the striker after a blockbuster deal from Man City, will not entertain negotiations below 200 million Euros.

This figure matches the worth of world-class superstars and signals Atletico’s view of Alvarez as a core part of their title-contending plans in the coming years. With a long-term contract and consistent performance, the Madrid club faces no pressure to sell their key player.

Given Barca’s tight finances, spending 200 million Euros on a nearly “impossible” deal is unlikely. Even if price talks occur, Atletico certainly won’t let Alvarez go easily, especially not to a direct La Liga rival.

This will be a major challenge for Deco and Hansi Flick during the rebuilding of the attack. Barca will likely need to consider alternative options or find ways to reallocate resources to meet the huge financial demands Atletico has set.

Currently, Barcelona is still in the early stages of observation and planning. Julian Alvarez’s future will largely depend on Blaugrana’s financial situation next season as well as Atletico’s determination to keep him.