FC Barcelona doesn't limit itself to thinking in the short term. From the offices at Camp Nou a plan is already being developed that goes beyond the current season and will target the summer of 2026. That year, not only will the contracts of several key players expire, but there will also be presidential elections, a context that shapes all of the club's strategic decisions.
Joan Laporta, current president and candidate for re-election, is working with that date in mind. For him, it's not only about strengthening the squad, but about building a project capable of conveying competitiveness and ambition both in sports and at the institutional level. With that idea in mind, an economic roadmap has been set in motion to allow for a major investment without compromising the club's financial stability.
Laporta's big plan
The president's strategy relies on several measures: expense control, new sponsorships, sales of secondary players, and optimization of competition revenues. All of this pursues a very specific goal: to have enough resources to carry out a top-level operation in the 2026 market. The figure being considered is clear: €100 million will be set aside for a signing that combines immediate performance with future potential.
Laporta understands that Barça needs an attacking leader who guarantees goals and international prestige. Robert Lewandowski has more than fulfilled his role in recent years, but his contract ends in 2026. His performance, although still high, is inevitably approaching the twilight of his career.
Hence the need to find a replacement in time. Someone who can take on the role of attacking reference and at the same time excite the members ahead of the elections.
The chosen one, Lewandowski approves
That role is reserved for Julián Álvarez, current forward for Atlético de Madrid and Argentina international. There are no doubts at the club that he is the ideal candidate: a goal scorer, versatile, and experienced in highly demanding contexts. His performance in Europe and with the national team, where he was a key player in the Qatar World Cup, make him a safe bet.
Liverpool was also very interested in Julián Álvarez, closely following his progress both at River Plate and at Manchester City. The Anfield club saw in the Argentine forward an ideal profile to strengthen its attack, thanks to his versatility, intensity, and ability to adapt to different playing systems.
In addition to his scoring ability, Barça especially values his ease in linking up with wingers, which would reinforce the idea of a very dynamic attack with multiple resources. For Hansi Flick, his profile fits the philosophy of high pressing and constant movement that he wants to establish. The board believes that Julián could become the attacking reference for the next decade.
The challenge will be to convince Atlético de Madrid, a club that doesn't usually sell its franchise players. However, Barça trust that the forward's own desire to take on a new challenge could open a window for negotiation. Laporta and Deco are working with the awareness that it will be a long and complex operation, but they're convinced that they must be ready if the opportunity arises.
Meanwhile, the board is focused on ensuring that the accounts balance for the summer of 2026. Compliance with financial Fair Play remains a decisive factor, and every financial move in the coming months will keep this major goal in mind. The €100 million investment isn't improvised: it requires planning and foresight.