Joan Laporta has replied to Barça's most urgent needs in this transfer market. The club needed to strengthen the goalkeeping position after the situation with Ter Stegen, and the sporting management moved to finalize the arrival of Joan García. Meanwhile, in attack, the priority was to bring in a winger, and the chosen one has been Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United.
With these two additions, Barça has managed to cover the most obvious gaps in the squad. Rashford will provide imbalance and Joan García, security between the posts, in a summer that leaves Laporta satisfied for having strengthened the team.
One year to leave a legacy
Laporta is facing his last year in office before the elections scheduled for 2026. Aware of the importance of this period, his goal is to leave a competitive team, in order to strengthen his image and increase the chances of being reelected. The president knows that sporting successes will be decisive in the final assessment of his management.
Julián Álvarez, the main target
Laporta's great dream for 2026 is to sign a world-class center forward. In that regard, he has a name written in his notebook: Julián Álvarez, a player for Atlético de Madrid. The Argentine has established himself as one of the most complete strikers in the world of soccer, with the ability to play in several positions and an impressive goal-scoring instinct.
Julián stands out not only for his numbers, but also for his intelligence and work ethic, qualities that make him an ideal profile. Laporta is convinced that he would be the piece to complete the team's offensive puzzle.
A priority signing for 2026
According to El Nacional, Julián Álvarez is clearly the one chosen by the board as Barça's next major signing. The club would be willing to make a considerable financial effort next summer, even if that means negotiating with an Atlético de Madrid that will hardly want to part with its star.
The idea is clear: bring Julián in to lead the blaugrana attack in the post-Robert Lewandowski era, providing youth, goals, and versatility. Laporta wants to end his term with a move that marks an era and, at the same time, strengthens his candidacy to remain at the helm of the club.