Alvarez’s Curveball: When a Barcelona Dream Gets Sidestepped by Reality
1 octobre 2025
Alvarez Responds to Barcelona's Interest
Julian Álvarez, Atletico Madrid’s forward, has brushed aside Barcelona’s bid to sign him this coming summer, positioning himself as Lewandowski's potential successor in the club's attack.
Following claims of a Barca move in Catalan press, Álvarez said he is focused on his current team and dismissed the reports as "just rumors."
The 25-year-old ace scored a goal and provided two assists in Atletico's emphatic 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Álvarez has now tallied six goals in his last three matches across all competitions, reviving connections with a string of European giants, with Barcelona among those most linked.
Is He the Ideal Lewandowski Replacement?
Techni cally, the Argentine boasts pace, intelligent movement between lines, clinical finishing, and quality in creating opportunities for teammates—a profile that could suit Lewandowski’s role well.
However, his high market value—Atletico signed him from Manchester City for about £82 million in 2024—could complicate a deal for Barcelona amid its financial constraints.
What Did the Press Say About Alvarez and Barcelona?
Álvarez's remarks came in response to a Spanish report claiming Barca were eyeing the Atletico forward as a target.
According to the Catalan newspaper Sport, Barca had Álvarez as a primary target for the summer of 2026, noting that he had caught the eye of the club’s sports management, including president Joan Laporta, who has respected him since his Manchester City days.
The piece also said Barca's late bid in 2024 did not materialize as City’s price demands were too steep, and Barcelona preferred to back Lewandowski's contract at the time. Now, with Lewandowski's deal due to end and age creeping up, Barca is again exploring Álvarez's availability.
Sport highlighted Barca's financial hurdles but pointed out leverage, such as potential wage-bill space at season's end with Lewandowski off the books—an annual saving around €26m.
Barcelona has only completed three signings so far this summer: a Spanish goalkeeper, a Swedish winger, and an English winger on loan.
Álvarez, who joined Atlético in 2024 from Manchester City for about £82 million, tallied 29 goals in his first season with the club and has carried that form into the current campaign.
The Argentinian star followed up with a hat-trick against Rio de Vallekas?—and added two more against Real Madrid in the Madrid derby, but coach Diego Simeone appeared relaxed about a potential departure.
“I'm not worried because we think about the team; this is a matter between the club and the player. Álvarez is exceptional, fully committed to the club and his teammates, and he gives his all. We’re happy to have him with us for many years,” Simeone said.
Teammate Julián Álvarez (Simeone’s son) echoed the sentiment, praising his consistency and saying he’s enjoying Champions League nights and the success of the night, and that Álvarez deserves every bit of the praise.
“He’s an exceptional professional who sits at the table with the best, and I’m incredibly proud of him,” he added, underscoring the high regard within the squad.
Two Sniper Punchlines to Lighten the Mood
Punchline 1: If transfer rumors counted as goals, Barca would be World Cup champions by now. Punchline 2: Alvarez is scoring so much the only thing Barca might need to negotiate is the price of a bigger trophy cabinet.
