FC Barcelona is determined to find a reliable replacement for Robert Lewandowski as soon as possible. The Polish striker, who has been the team's offensive reference over the past seasons, could be experiencing his final campaign at Camp Nou. Although his desire is to continue for at least one more year, the sporting management is seriously considering his departure at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
The club believes that the time has come to rejuvenate the attack and bet on a new profile, a more unpredictable player. In this context, there are two authoritative voices within the locker room who have already pointed to their favorite. Lamine Yamal and Pedri believe that the perfect signing to fill the "9" role is Julián Álvarez.
Both Barça footballers believe that the Argentine striker fits perfectly into the Barça playing model. His ability to link up, his constant movement, and his goal-scoring instinct make him an ideal replacement for Lewandowski. In addition, Julián Álvarez is used to playing for top-level teams like Manchester City and Atlético de Madrid.
Forged with Guardiola and Simeone
Under Pep Guardiola's orders, he has shown that he is a very complete footballer, capable of performing both as a center forward and in deeper positions. Under Diego Pablo Simeone, he has had his best campaign as a player in Europe, scoring a total of 29 goals in 55 matches under his compatriot's leadership. What people like about Julián is his versatility and the belief that he is already ready to make the leap to the highest level; this is his third season in Europe.
The problem is that his signing won't be easy at all, Julián Álvarez signed last summer for Atlético and has a release clause of 500 million euros. Although FC Barcelona doesn't plan to reach those figures, they hope that the player himself can put pressure to leave. However, from Madrid there are no signs of a possible sale. In fact, the rojiblanco club is counting on him for the long term and Simeone isn't willing to lose him.
Lamine and Pedri want the Argentine
The situation is even more complicated because, according to sources close to the footballer, Julián doesn't intend to leave Atleti this summer. He feels valued and happy in Madrid, although he doesn't rule out a change of scenery in the future if he doesn't win titles. For now, his desire is to keep competing for all the titles and to win something in red and white at the Metropolitano.
Despite everything, FC Barcelona isn't giving up on signing him for next season as the star of the elections. Deco and Joan Laporta are aware of Lamine Yamal and Pedri's interest, and they've already started to pull strings to gauge the viability of the operation. The club knows that it will be a complicated negotiation, but also that Julián Álvarez would be a tremendous quality boost for the team.
Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski remains focused on playing the season at a high level; the Pole wants to stay at Barça at least until June 2026. The bet on Julián Álvarez isn't a coincidence. The club considers him one of the strikers with the most potential in world soccer. His playing style fits perfectly with Barça's DNA and he would have the full support of the locker room. Yamal and Pedri are clear: he's the "9" of the future.