Barcelona Reportedly Move On From Julian Alvarez as Transfer Priorities Change
Barcelona have reportedly ended their interest in Atlético Madrid striker Julian Alvarez after previously making the Argentine their top attacking target.
The 2026 summer transfer window was heavily influenced by Barça's pursuit of a new centre-forward. With Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres entering the later stages of their respective spells at the club, Alvarez was viewed as the ideal long-term solution.
However, the situation changed considerably over the course of the summer.
Relations between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid reportedly deteriorated during the negotiations, with the Madrid club unwilling to sanction Alvarez's departure to Catalonia.
Now, according to a new report, Barça have completely moved on from the Argentine.
Julian Alvarez Is No Longer a Barcelona Target
Catalunya Ràdio reports that Alvarez is no longer part of Barcelona's plans, despite being considered their preferred striker only weeks ago.
The Argentine was viewed as an excellent tactical fit for Hansi Flick's system because of his movement, pressing ability and versatility in the final third.
But Barcelona's performances without him have changed the club's thinking.
Rather than suffering from the absence of a new elite No. 9, Barça have seen several of their attacking players step up.
Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Fermín López and Karim Adeyemi have all contributed goals, while Gabriel Jesus has provided another option in the attacking department.
As a result, signing another centre-forward is reportedly no longer Barcelona's most urgent priority.
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Barcelona Could Prioritise a Centre-Back
With the need for another striker apparently reduced, Barcelona could now redirect their resources towards another area of the squad.
A new top-level centre-back could become the club's priority for next summer.
The defensive department is expected to receive greater attention as Barça assess their long-term squad planning, potentially making a major central defender the next significant addition.
That would represent a considerable change from the plans Barcelona had earlier in the year, when Alvarez was reportedly at the top of their transfer shortlist.
Deco Had Already Suggested Barça Had Moved On
Barcelona sporting director Deco had already appeared to hint that the club's pursuit of Alvarez was over.
Speaking recently about the striker, Deco explained that Barcelona had always wanted a forward capable of moving intelligently and combining with teammates.
“The idea has always been to bring in a forward with good movement and the ability to link up with others, and Julian (Alvarez) was one such player.”
However, Deco made it clear that Barcelona were no longer focused on the Atlético Madrid forward.
“Julian (Alvarez) is in the past; we have to look ahead, and we’re happy. I hope he’s doing well too, that he’s helping his club.”
Those comments now appear to align with the latest report from Catalunya Ràdio.
Could Haaland Enter the Picture?
While Alvarez appears to have fallen out of Barcelona's plans, speculation around another elite striker has already started.
Erling Haaland has been mentioned as a possible future target for Barça amid reports surrounding Manchester City's current situation.
For now, however, there is no certainty that Barcelona will pursue the Norwegian.
The club could ultimately decide that strengthening the defence is more important than signing another superstar forward.
What appears clearer is that Julian Alvarez is no longer at the centre of Barcelona's transfer plans.
The striker who was once considered the ideal replacement for Lewandowski now appears to be firmly in the past, with Barça looking towards a different strategy for the future.
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