Barcelona Shifts Focus from Julián Álvarez to Other Striker Targets

Barcelona has halted their pursuit of Julián Álvarez and is exploring alternative striker options ahead of the closing of the transfer window, according to a source familiar with the situation. While the club has not entirely dismissed the possibility of returning for the Argentina international, potentially in January, Atlético Madrid’s unwillingness to allow his departure has led sporting director Deco to evaluate other candidates.

Head coach Hansi Flick remains adamant about acquiring a No. 9 to fill the void left by Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, who have since left the club. However, some senior figures within Barcelona believe the current squad already has adequate attacking options should a new striker not be secured.

Álvarez has consistently been Barcelonas’ premier target this summer, with the La Liga champions reportedly having an offer of around €100 million rejected earlier in the season. Atlético Madrid maintains that the former Manchester City forward will not be transferred, despite his public expressions of desire to switch clubs. Barcelona had expected that Álvarez’s statements might influence Atlético’s position, but they now acknowledge that the deal is unlikely to materialize this month without a significant last-minute change.

Flick is still on the lookout for a No. 9, even if it’s not Álvarez, with options like Raphinha, Karim Adeyemi, Anthony Gordon, and Lamine Yamal being considered for the central position. Additionally, players like Fermín López and Dani Olmo have experience playing as false nines, while the only traditional striker currently in the squad is 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim.

This summer, Barcelona also evaluated João Pedro and Junior Kroupi as possible signings, but Pedro has since committed to a new contract with Chelsea, and Kroupi is sidelined for up to four months due to a foot injury. In recent weeks, Lautaro Martínez of Inter Milan and Luis Suárez from Sporting CP have been linked to Barcelona, but the transfer costs are currently seen as prohibitive.

Barcelona has a longstanding interest in Benjamin Sesko, although securing the Manchester United forward is considered unfeasible at this time. The names of Villarreal’s Ayoze Pérez and Georges Mikautadze have also come up, with reports indicating Barcelona’s admiration for Mikautadze’s performances since his move to Spain.

Barcelona has continued to be active in the transfer market this summer, having recently completed the signing of Rodri, their fourth acquisition of the window, following the arrivals of Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, and Jesse Bisiwu. João Cancelo is also expected to join the squad soon.