Barcelona cool down their interest in Atletico Madrid superstar – here’s why | OneFootball

For a while now, it has been known that FC Barcelona have their sights on Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.

The 25-year-old Argentine ace was seen as the dream target to replace Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

A move for the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner was always going to be challenging, given that Atletico signed him only last year, and it would take a monumental bid for them to consider his sale.

Barcelona no longer see Alvarez as priority

However, in a significant development, Ferran Correas of SPORT reports that Barcelona have decided to cool their interest in Alvarez heading into 2026.

Alvarez appealed to the Blaugrana because of his age and his qualities. His 2022 World Cup in Qatar was outstanding, and he has shown impressive flashes at Atletico.

But, as per the report, the Catalans were not convinced by the Argentine’s performance in the recent Barça vs Atletico Madrid match at the Spotify Camp Nou, and he is not considered a priority for next season.

Barcelona no longer see Julian Alvarez as priority. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

It is further stated that Alvarez is not the type of forward Barcelona are looking for. The preferred profile is much closer to that of Raphinha – a goalscorer, a hard worker, and a natural winner.

It is not easy to find a similar player on the market, but Barcelona will search for one.

Furthermore, Alvarez’s price is considered excessive by the La Liga champions. His release clause is €500 million, and Atletico would not sell for less than €200 million, an amount Barcelona have no intention of spending on the Argentine.

Barcelona are aware that Lewandowski, at 37 years old, needs a successor, but not at any cost. Ferran Torres has performed well in that role, and the club will be extremely selective in finding a goalscoring profile capable of making a difference.