Joan Laporta is dreaming big again, as the president of FC Barcelona is working quietly to build a fearsome attacking line for the future. Although the economy isn't helping, the blaugrana executive is clear that he wants a top striker for Barça post-Lewandowski. He has already chosen his target: one of Atlético de Madrid's biggest stars.
According to sources close to the Catalan club, Laporta has his sights set on Julián Álvarez, the Argentine forward and world champion with the Albiceleste. The Cordoban is one of the most desired footballers in the European market, and at 25 years old, he has managed to establish himself as a key figure in Simeone's system. He is especially considered non-transferable by the Argentine coach; however, at Can Barça, they are determined to tempt Atleti with an offer that's hard to refuse.
The proposal being considered by FC Barcelona's sporting management would be around €100 million (about $108 million), still far from the player's release clause, which is €150 million (about $162 million). An amount that could rise to €180 million (about $194 million) when the transfer window closes. Laporta trusts that the player's desire and pressure from his entourage could make the deal possible. Although the signing isn't planned for this summer, but for 2026, as his major electoral asset and as Hansi Flick's great desire.
Not negotiable
From Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the response is clear, Diego Pablo Simeone doesn't want to lose his star and has already informed the club that selling him would be a strategic mistake. Julián Álvarez has fit perfectly into "Cholo"'s system and his performance has been key to the good moment for the Rojiblancos. Nevertheless, Atlético's sporting management is already considering alternatives in case the Argentine ultimately decides to leave.
In this regard, one of the names gaining traction is Viktor Gyökeres. The Swedish striker has had a spectacular season with Sporting de Portugal and his profile is highly regarded by the Colchoneros' leadership. While his release clause is also high, around €70 million (about $76 million), Atlético could afford his signing if a big-money sale like Julián Álvarez's takes place.
Lewandowski doesn't want to leave
Despite the rumors, those close to the player assure that there are no intentions to move,Julián Álvarez feels comfortable in Madrid. He is delighted with Atleti's project and appreciates Barça's interest; however, he isn't in a hurry to seek a change of scenery. His contract ties him to the Rojiblancos for the long term, and his intention is to keep growing under Simeone's guidance.
At Camp Nou, for now, they acknowledge that the operation is complicated, but Laporta doesn't want to give up. If Robert Lewandowski leaves in 2026, the club wants to have a star ready. In that scenario, Julián Álvarez's name is an ideal profile for Hansi Flick's Barça: a versatile, hard-working striker with a goal-scoring touch and elite experience.
Barça knows they can't compete financially with Europe's giants, but they're betting on seducing the player with the sporting project and the weight of the badge. They've already done it with other stars and now they'll try again. "La Araña" is Laporta's great dream and he won't rest until he tries to dress him in blaugrana.