Barcelona’s financial difficulties make blockbuster signings nothing more than a dream at present, but the Catalan giants will continue to pursue Europe’s elite regardless.
La Blaugrana’s boardroom concerns didn’t affect their on-field performances last season. They won the domestic treble at a canter and were ever so close to reaching the Champions League final during Hansi Flick’s remarkable debut campaign in the dugout.
Still, Barça will be looking to reinforce the weaker and thinner areas of their star-studded squad this summer and beyond as they aim to build a dynasty under their masterful German coach.
While the forward department is not in obvious need of strengthening considering Barça’s unbelievable attacking performances last term, La Blaugrana have been consistently linked with a move for Atlético Madrid striker Julián Alvarez.
The World Cup winner’s talent cannot be denied and Barça will be hoping this dream transfer comes true soon.
Amazing Atléti Ascent
Alvarez was never more than a supporting character during Manchester City’s incredible domination of English football from 2022 and 2024. The Argentine was an incredibly useful option for Pep Guardiola across his two seasons at the Etihad Stadium, but he was stranded in Erling Haaland’s towering shadow.
Having won almost everything on offer with Man City already—and the Copa América and World Cup with Argentina—there was little risk attached to his $104 million (£81.8 million) transfer to the Spanish capital. The gamble was all Atléti’s, but it’s paid off already.
Alvarez managed 29 goals and eight assists in all competitions during his debut season with Los Rojiblancos, dazzling despite Atléti’s underwhelming second half of the campaign. He scored twice in four meetings with Barça across 2024–25 and also found the net against Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Athletic Club and Brazil for club and country. Quite the list of victims.
The indefatigable South American has exactly the blend of tenacity and flair required to thrive in Diego Simeone’s system, and he partnered both Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sørloth effectively in a two-man attack. The diminutive striker’s speed, agility and positional intelligence make him impossible to man-mark, while he boasts the technical quality to unlock even the most stubborn of defenses with a sharp pass or pinpoint finish.
Alvarez is undoubtedly one of the world’s most prolific and devastating No.9s, with Barça having witnessed his genius first-hand.
Ideal Robert Lewandowski Replacement
There’s a reason Barça are so desperate to sign a new striker. While they currently possess one of the 21st century’s most lethal sharpshooters in Robert Lewandowski, the Poland international will be 37 this August and a long-term successor must be identified and signed in the relatively near future.
Of course, there is no rush to move on from Lewandowski, who is still posting quite ridiculous numbers. He managed 42 goals in all competitions last term and his supreme finishing ability and impressive physique make him a relentless goal threat regardless of his lack of speed. But Lewandowski won’t last forever.
Barça must find the heir to his throne to ensure the talents of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal are not restricted, and Alvarez, while an entirely different player, would prove the perfect replacement. The 25-year-old has the necessary experience and quality to fill the void, and his versatility and excellent positional sense mean he would blossom in a fluid triumvirate with two exceptional wingers.
Eagerness to Join
The allure of Camp Nou has proven far too powerful for Europe’s elite forwards over the past two decades and Alvarez looks unlikely to resist it. In fact, the Argentine’s agent has already admitted that his client admires Barça, citing Alvarez’s adoration of compatriot Lionel Messi as one of the reasons behind his huge respect for the Catalan behemoths.
If guaranteed first-team football with La Blaugrana—something that looks almost certain once Lewandowski fades into the background—it seems extremely unlikely that Alvarez would reject the possibility to join one of the world’s biggest clubs. He would be offered the chance to team up with an array of the planet’s best and compete for the top prizes.
Alvarez’s willingness to join Barça would improve their bargaining position in negotiations with Atléti, although any fee will still be enormous. The reigning La Liga champions might have to wait for their financial situation to improve or recoup funds through player sales to turn their dreams into reality.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Dream Transfer: Julian Alvarez to Barcelona.