FC Barcelona continues planning its next steps with an eye on the future of its squad. After a summer in which it secured reinforcements in key positions, the blaugrana board isn't losing sight of an issue that will shape the next sporting stage. That is none other than finding Robert Lewandowski's successor.
The Polish striker remains the team's offensive reference, but his contract is nearing its final stretch and the club is looking for a reliable replacement for the coming years. The idea of the board led by Joan Laporta is to get ahead of the market and have the player who will lead the attack from 2026 defined in advance. In this scenario, several profiles fit the club's philosophy, although only one seems to meet all the conditions to become Barça's new offensive reference.
The chosen one to lead the attack
The name that has convinced the sporting management is Julián Álvarez, current striker for Atlético de Madrid. The Argentine is in full footballing maturity and has accumulated experience in both European competitions and the Argentine national team. His development makes him an ideal candidate to take over from Lewandowski at Camp Nou.
Hansi Flick has been clear in his assessment: he believes Julián fits perfectly with the play style he wants to implement at Barça. His mobility and ability to link up with the wingers are qualities that would allow him to fit into a front three alongside Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. In addition, he brings goals and a competitive character, something the club especially values.
Laporta and Deco prepare the strategy
Beyond the sporting aspect, Joan Laporta also sees the operation as a strategic opportunity. The blaugrana president is aware that a signing of this magnitude would have a major media and sporting impact, especially in an election year like 2026. For the club, securing the arrival of a footballer of this level would be a message of ambition and institutional strength.
Meanwhile, Deco is working on the operational side. The transfer fee would be around €100 million, a figure that requires the club to keep following the financial restructuring plan that has been started in recent seasons. The board's intention is that, when the time comes, Barça will be in a position to carry out the operation without compromising its economic stability.
The main difficulty lies in Julián Álvarez's contractual situation with Atlético de Madrid. The Rojiblancos consider him their franchise player and have no intention of letting him go in the short term. However, Barça believes that if the Argentine feels he has completed a cycle at the Metropolitano, he could push to open the door to negotiations.
In any case, the club is aware that it won't be an easy operation and is studying all the alternatives to be able to address it when the time comes. Flick's conviction and Laporta's commitment make it clear that the objective is defined. If the opportunity arises, Julián Álvarez is the striker they want for Barça's future.