Barcelona eye rival striker as Robert Lewandowski replacement

According to recent reports across various media outlets, Barcelona president Joan Laporta is already planning his next campaign for re-election. The reports suggest that Laporta has identified Julián Álvarez as his primary target—a player the club narrowly missed out on in the previous transfer window.

Barcelona are in eternal search for Julian Alvarez as Robert Lewandowski’s successor. The Catalans had planned to secure the services of a former Manchester City player but Atletico Madrid priced the player away from the club. The Rojiblancos splashed £81.5 million to secure the signature of the winger. The report read: 

MARCA state Laporta plans to build his next election bid around Alvarez, who was on the radar last year before Atletico snatched him away from City in a deal worth a whopping (€95m) £81.5m instead.

This is not the first time Joan Laporta has looked to secure votes based on transfer promises. Previously, the club tried to land Erling Haaland when the player was yet to sign a new contract. The new player in town who has garnered sustained interest from Barcelona is Julián Álvarez, whom Laporta is promising to sign before he heads into the 2026 election.

The No.9 position has been a cause of concern for Barcelona in the ongoing campaign and also the upcoming campaign. The current striker Robert Lewandowski will be on the wrong side of 30s as he reaches 38 years of age. The Polish striker has scored 40 goals in 48 games across all competitions but the internal mutters assume that the player’s prime is coming to an end. 

On the other hand, it will be difficult for Barcelona to secure the services of the Atlético Madrid winger, as not only is he in fine form, but he is also contracted until 2030. It would require significant cash and possibly even breaking the bank to sign the Argentinian international, as Barcelona continues to reel under financial pressure.

What next for Barcelona?

After securing the Copa del Rey, Barcelona will turn their focus to the UEFA Champions League, where they will face Inter Milan on Wednesday.