Barça is already looking toward the future of its forward line and, in particular, the day when Robert Lewandowski steps aside. The Polish striker, whose contract ends in 2026 and who will turn 38 that same year, remains the main offensive reference, but sports planning requires thinking about his successor. Among all the names circulating on the blaugrana agenda, one stands out strongly: Julián Álvarez.
The Argentine forward, currently playing for Atlético de Madrid, is considered by Joan Laporta and Barça's board of directors as the perfect "9" to lead the new culé era. Having established himself in the European elite, Julián combines youth, experience, and goal-scoring ability. It is clear that his profile fits the search for a forward capable of supporting the team in the next decade.
Laporta sees him as an impact signing
Joan Laporta's plan is not limited to the sporting side. According to sources close to the club, the idea is for Julián Álvarez's signing to be one of the main attractions for the 2026 presidential elections. The president wants to present him as a symbol of Barça's renewal, just as he previously tried to capitalize on Leo Messi's return in the last campaign.
However, this ambitious goal comes with obstacles. Atlético de Madrid doesn't consider selling its forward for less than €80 million, and the blaugrana economy remains constrained. In addition, Julián doesn't intend to leave Atlético unless a series of clear conditions are met, both sporting and contractual.
Star contract
The Argentine's camp has already made its position clear: he will not repeat the experience he had at Manchester City, where he had to accept a secondary role. To make the move to Barça, he wants guarantees of a real starring role as the starting "9" once Lewandowski steps aside. Being a mere complement is not part of his plans.
Financially, Julián Álvarez would request a contract worth more than €10 million ($10 million) per season, a figure that would place him in the highest tier of the blaugrana salary scale. This demand, added to the high transfer cost, forces Barça to study the operation very carefully and consider possible adjustments in order to complete the signing without compromising its sustainability. For now, the interest is firm, but the player's conditions set the path toward a negotiation that will not be easy.