FC Barcelona Has Already Set Its Sights on the Next Season. With the team in full preparation for the Champions League return in Dortmund, after the 3-0 first leg, Joan Laporta and Deco are working on strengthening the squad. The priority is clear: find the natural heir to Lewandowski.
Although the Polish player has a contract until 2026, the club considers it essential to secure a reliable signing to lead the attack in the short term. Hansi Flick has been clear in his technical reports. One of the names on the list is considered an ideal profile for this new Barça.
Key Meeting in Madrid
A few weeks ago, during the visit to the Metropolitano for the Copa del Rey semifinal, Laporta took the opportunity to gauge the situation. Despite the media noise, the relationship between the Barça president and Enrique Cerezo is cordial. That allowed for direct contact without intermediaries.
The Barça sports management wanted to know firsthand the details of the player's contract they had on their radar. The interest was not new, but it has intensified due to the great level he has shown this season. An explosive profile, with goals, character, and a hunger for titles.
The coaching staff is convinced that he is the ideal signing. For talent, for age, and for a winning mentality. Although there are alternatives on the table, none are as convincing as this target.
The Clause That Changes Everything
During that informal conversation with Atlético, the surprise came. The Atlético management was adamant: the player is not for sale under any circumstances. He would only leave if his full release clause is paid.
The exact figure left Laporta stunned. It's 150 million euros, a sum completely out of Barça's current reach. The Barça president described the situation as "crazy," according to internal club sources.
Since then, all alarms have gone off in Camp Nou offices. Paying that amount would require one or several multimillion-dollar sales, something that is not currently planned.
Perfect Fit for Barça
What's frustrating for the sports officials is that this player would fit like a glove. His mobility, goal-scoring instinct, and ability to shine on big nights make him a sure bet. He is young but already has experience at the highest level.
Moreover, his entourage has given positive signals. He would welcome a change of scenery and, in private, doesn't hide his sympathy for Barça. He knows his profile is ideal for a team like Barça, which seeks to regain its offensive identity.
Hansi Flick himself has expressed his excitement about having him. He sees him as the perfect piece to complete his offensive system alongside Lamine Yamal and the creative midfielders.
Barça Resigns... for Now
Faced with this reality, Barça begins to accept that the operation is practically unfeasible. Unless there is an unexpected market turn or extraordinary income, the clause makes it impossible to proceed. In the short term, other more accessible targets will be sought.
Among them are options like Nico Williams or even alternatives in the Bundesliga or South America. However, none of them generate as much unanimity as the forward who is slipping away. In the club's corridors, it is acknowledged that he is "the ideal forward to lead the new era."
It is not ruled out that, if the economic situation improves, they will try again later. But right now, everything points to the dream having to wait.
The footballer who changed everything is none other than Julián Álvarez. The Argentine is experiencing a brilliant moment and has established himself as one of the best forwards in Europe. This season he has 23 goals and 5 assists, being key in every match.
The 150 million clause in his contract with Atlético de Madrid has frozen any attempt. Neither Barça nor any club can pay that amount without breaking their financial structure. "It's an impossible clause," they assure from the Barça board.
The interest was there, the player wanted to come... but the economic reality has halted the dream.