Robert Lewandowski is facing his last season as the leader of the blaugrana attack. The club has already communicated internally that he won't continue beyond June 2026. His cycle at FC Barcelona is coming to an end and it's time to think about his replacement.
Joan Laporta and Deco have worked quietly to find the perfect heir. The goal is to ensure a smooth transition in a key position. Now, they already know who should be the new "9".
It won't be Ferran Torres, nor Benjamin Šeško. Not even Viktor Gyökeres, who was very close to Barça a few weeks ago. The sporting management is betting on a different profile, more complete and with experience at the elite level.
The great chosen one
The name highlighted in red on the list is Julián Álvarez. The Argentine forward, currently at Atlético de Madrid, has convinced everyone at Barça. Because of his style, mentality, and potential, he is the ideal candidate.
Laporta is willing to make a historic investment for him. Figures close to €100 million are being considered, although the operation is planned for the medium term. The idea is to finalize his signing in the summer of 2026.
Julián is a profile that Hansi Flick likes a lot. Tireless in pressing, intelligent in off-the-ball play, and with a lethal shot. He was a world champion with Argentina and has shined in every context.
At Atlético, he has taken a step forward under Simeone's orders. He has shown that he can be the offensive leader at a major European club. Above all, he has the maturity needed to take on a leading role at Camp Nou.
His adaptation would be immediate, having played in LaLiga and knowing the competitive context. In addition, he has already faced Barça on multiple occasions, with good performances. His arrival wouldn't be a gamble, but a certainty.
The operation is considered strategic within Laporta's new project. More than a signing, it would be a statement of intent for the next five years. At Can Barça, everyone shares that vision.
How much will he earn?
Julián Álvarez receives an approximate salary of between €7 and €8 million gross per year at Atlético, which translates to about €5 million net per season. This figure places him in the mid-high salary range within the Colchonero locker room, in line with his potential and performance.
If his signing by Barça is finalized, the blaugrana club would have to match or slightly improve those conditions to convince the footballer. Estimates suggest that his new contract could be around €8 or €9 million gross per year, with a net salary between €5 and €6 million, in addition to bonuses for performance, titles, and individual objectives.
The other names?
The list of forwards analyzed has been extensive. Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, and even the internal option of Ferran Torres. But none have caused the consensus that Julián Álvarez inspires among the Barça leadership.
Sesko was offered, but he didn't convince because of his more direct style. Ferran is liked as a complement, but not as a starting striker in the long term. Other younger profiles still need more development at other teams.
Meanwhile, Julián is both present and future. He is capable of scoring 20 goals per season, but also of linking up and creating play. In short, the complete "9" that Barça needs to recover its offensive identity.
Complex financial operation
However, it won't be a simple operation from a financial standpoint. The club must free up salary mass and generate income before facing a nine-figure operation. Lewandowski's departure will help, but it won't be enough.
Laporta has already started contacts with new sponsors to expand resources. In addition, Deco is working on possible strategic sales to help balance the budget. Time is on their side: there's room until 2026.
The idea is to avoid mistakes of the past, when signings were made in a rush and without planning. This time, everything is being built in advance. So that when Lewandowski says goodbye, the replacement is ready.
The future has a name
Julián Álvarez wants to be important in a winning project. Although Atlético is satisfied with his performance, they know that if Barça calls strongly, it will be difficult to keep him. The Argentine is open to the move.
In the Barça locker room, the name is already being discussed. Some national teammates have already spoken with him. Deco is ready to move quickly if he detects that the path is clear.
The future of Barça's "9" is already being written. If nothing goes wrong, Lewandowski's heir will be none other than Julián Álvarez. Because great projects start with great decisions.