Julián Álvarez is the main target for FC Barcelona for the summer of 2026. The Argentine forward has been chosen as the direct successor to Robert Lewandowski, whose time at Camp Nou will end in a year. Hansi Flick has already given the green light to the operation and believes the Atlético player is perfect for his system.
Talks with the footballer's camp have been ongoing for weeks. Julián doesn't hide his desire to wear the blaugrana jersey. His ambition, competitive character, and maturity fit the profile Barça is looking for to lead its future attack.
The sporting management has prioritized his signing over other options. Although it's a difficult operation, they believe it's worth every effort. The forward has also done his part, making playing for Barça his absolute priority.
At 26 years old in 2026, he would arrive in full sporting maturity. With experience in the Premier League, Champions League, World Cup, and Spanish league.
Lewandowski's natural replacement
Barça is working with the calendar in hand. Lewandowski's contract ends on June 30, 2026, and he won't renew. The Polish player's departure will free up one of the highest salaries in the entire blaugrana squad.
Julián Álvarez would bring not only youth, but also dynamism, high pressing, and immediate goal-scoring ability. He has shown he can adapt to different attacking roles, although now he demands stability and hierarchy. His arrival would allow Barça to redefine its attacking model without giving up the essence of its play.
Flick has closely followed his development. He likes his attitude, his tactical understanding, and his intelligence in making runs. He sees him as a complete forward, capable of linking up, finishing, and creating space for his teammates.
Laporta also sees it as a strategic operation. A bet for the present and future that could mark a new era for the club.
Agreed sporting conditions
Several key points have been agreed upon in meetings with Julián Álvarez's camp. The first is that he will be the starting forward for the new project. He doesn't want rotations or to be a substitute: he seeks to establish himself as Barça's offensive leader.
The second point is symbolic, but important to him. He wants to inherit the "9" jersey that Robert Lewandowski will vacate. The club has accepted this without issue and is already planning marketing actions around the change.
The third agreed element is his institutional role. He doesn't want to be just another forward. He aspires to be one of the team's visible faces, both on and off the field.
All these conditions have been accepted by the sporting leadership, who see in him a global star profile. In addition, his desire to join Barça works in favor of the operation.
The final cost, the main obstacle
The main challenge will be convincing Atlético de Madrid, which considers him one of its greatest assets. Julián Álvarez is protected by a contract until 2028 and there is no set release clause. The negotiation won't be easy and the rojiblanco club has no intention of letting its star go for free.
Joan Laporta intends to include one or more players in the operation to reduce the cash payment. But even so, a significant financial effort will be required. Atlético is demanding a historic fee to let him leave in 2026.
As for the player, he has also made his salary demands clear to wear the blaugrana jersey. He currently earns a high amount at Atlético, but he wants to improve it if he changes clubs.
Barça already knows the numbers: €150 million ($150 million) for the transfer, and €10 million ($10 million) net per season for Julián Álvarez. If nothing goes wrong, he will be the next great "9" at Camp Nou.