Barcelona have reportedly identified Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez as their primary target to lead the attack next season, cooling their interest in Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane.
According to journalist Alfredo Martínez, Barça president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco have made a new world-class “Number 9” their absolute priority. While Harry Kane’s goal-scoring record is undisputed, the Catalan giants are leaning towards the 26-year-old Argentine due to his age, tactical versatility, and rapid adaptation to La Liga.
The “Spider” vs The “Hurri-Kane”
The decision is a classic debate between immediate impact and long-term investment. While Harry Kane has been in monstrous form for Vincent Kompany’s Bayern—netting 30 goals in just 25 games—Barcelona believes Álvarez is the better fit for the post-Lewandowski era.
Julián Álvarez (26): 11 goals and 5 assists in 25 games this season. (Scored 29 goals in his debut season with Atlético).
- Harry Kane (32): 30 goals in 25 games this season.
- The Verdict: Barça prefers the “Spider’s” age and market value, despite Kane’s superior scoring stats.
El Barcelona considera más importante reforzar la delantera el año que viene que el puesto de central. Un hombre gol. Con Araujo y Christensen recuperados,es más prioritario buscar un delantero por si Lewandowski no continúa, que parece lo más probable. Julián Álvarez en la pole
— Alfredo Martínez (@Alfremartinezz) January 10, 2026
Defensive Stability Allows Offensive Spending
Despite rumors that Barcelona would hunt for a new center-back, the board remains confident in their current options. With Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen back to full fitness, Deco has shifted all financial resources toward the “Operation Number 9.”
This strategy was further solidified by the recent return of João Cancelo from Al-Hilal, which solved the right-back dilemma and allowed the club to focus exclusively on the frontline.
Summer Move Only
While the fans are eager for a blockbuster signing, Barcelona will wait until the summer transfer window to make their move. The club is currently navigating its financial limits and believes that a mid-year deal for Julián Álvarez will be more feasible, especially if Atlético Madrid is open to a record-breaking negotiation.
Filepe Junior is a football writer tracking La Liga transfers, covering major signings, squad planning, and player movements across Spanish clubs.
