BARCELONA – FC Barcelona have reportedly placed Julián Alvarez at the top of their shortlist to replace the aging Robert Lewandowski. As the Polish striker nears the end of his contract, the Catalan giants see the Argentine World Cup winner as the ideal “False 9” to lead their front line.
According to reports from journalist David Bernabeu, the Barça hierarchy views Alvarez as the closest stylistic successor to Luis Suárez. His ability to drop deep, create space, and link up with wingers like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha makes him the perfect fit for the club’s tactical future.
The Financial Hurdle: La Liga’s 1:1 Rule
The move, however, hinges entirely on Barcelona’s financial situation. The club is working tirelessly to return to La Liga’s 1:1 rule before the summer window opens.
Under this regulation, for every euro Barcelona saves or generates, they are permitted to spend one euro on new signings or wages. Reinstating this rule is crucial for the club to afford the projected €80 million (£67m) fee required to tempt Atlético Madrid into a sale.
A Dip in Form: A Market Opportunity?
Despite a high-profile move to Madrid last summer, “The Spider” is currently enduring a difficult spell. A recent goal drought has led to a slight dip in his market valuation, which Barcelona hopes to exploit.
In the high-stakes world of European football, Barça believes that a change of scenery and a return to a more possession-based system could reignite Alvarez’s clinical form. While Atlético may be reluctant to sell to a direct rival, the prospect of an €80m windfall might be too significant to ignore as both clubs navigate complex financial landscapes.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
