Bombshell in the market. FC Barcelona has already chosen Robert Lewandowski's heir. It is Julián Álvarez, forward for Atlético de Madrid, world champion with Argentina, and one of the most complete players in current soccer.
According to reports, the blaugrana club has a strategic plan to finalize his signing in the summer of 2026. By then, the operation will be economically viable, and the Polish player's cycle will come to an end.
Joan Laporta and Deco are clear: Julián Álvarez fits like a glove in Barça's new project. At 24 years old, he has already proven that he can be decisive both as a starter and coming off the bench, and he possesses a winning mentality that captivates the culé sports management.
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The "hidden gem" that everyone likes
Barça's idea is to repeat the model that has worked so well with Gundogan or Lewandowski: signing established players, but still with room to grow. Julián meets all the requirements: he is versatile, can play in various attacking positions, and is hungry for titles.
At City, his role was secondary due to Haaland's presence. But at Atlético, he showed himself as an excellent scorer in his first season. At Barça, they believe that with an attractive proposal on a sporting and emotional level, they can convince him.
2026, the year marked in red
With Lewandowski in the final stretch of his career, Barça has already warned that his cycle is coming to an end. Julián would arrive to be the new reference in the area, with a long contract and a clear commitment as a strategic signing in the medium term.
Laporta already has the player's entourage's approval and is willing to close the deal in advance to avoid future auctions.
The new "9" for Barça?
Everything points to yes. Julián Álvarez is destined to be the next great forward at Camp Nou. The Argentine is liked by everyone: fans, locker room, coaching staff, and management.
All that remains is for the right moment to arrive. 2026 will be the year of his leap to LaLiga.
Jota Jordi: "It will be boring"
Jota Jordi, the Barcelona panelist from El Chiringuito, is clear. "If Julián Álvarez arrives, can you imagine him with Lamine, with Pedri behind...? It's going to be a spectacle," he said last night.
He added: "I am in love with Julián Álvarez, and Barça's sports management is too. Hopefully, it happens because this could be... If this year has been a treble for Barça, with Julián Álvarez, sextuple, septuple... It will be boring."