Barcelona scout 26-year-old Liverpool forward at the World Cup – report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona remain fully focused on completing the signing of Julian Alvarez (26), who has emerged as the club’s top target to replace Robert Lewandowski.

The Argentine striker has publicly expressed his desire to leave Atlético Madrid, making it clear that his dream is to play for Barcelona.

As previously reported, the Catalan club are determined to continue pursuing the deal after Alvarez openly stated his intention to move.

While Barcelona continue trying to convince Atletico Madrid to negotiate for Alvarez, reports from England suggest the club are also exploring alternative options.

Indeed, Barcelona recently contacted representatives of Harry Kane to gauge the Bayern Munich striker’s intentions.

Alexander Isak on the agenda

Isak on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Now, according to the Daily Mail (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Barcelona’s scouting department have closely watched Alexander Isak in person during Sweden’s World Cup matches in the United States.

The Swedish striker has been admired by the Catalan club for several years. In fact, the La Liga champions explored a move for Isak two summers ago, when he was still at Newcastle United, but nothing came of it.

Liverpool ultimately secured his signature last summer after spending a British-record £125 million, which could rise up to £130 million including add-ons.

Isak’s value drops after difficult year

According to the report, Isak’s relatively underwhelming season at Anfield has reduced his market value, potentially making him a more attainable option should Barcelona decide to pursue an alternative to Alvarez.

The 26-year-old striker endured an injury-riddled debut season with Liverpool, playing only 22 games in all competitions, in which he managed only four goals.

Isak endured a difficult season with Liverpool. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)

However, his form has shown signs of improvement at the World Cup, with Isak managing one goal and three assists from three games for the Swedish national team.

For now, there is nothing to suggest that Barcelona are pursuing Isak seriously, but are keeping an eye on his performances at the quadrennial tournament.

Convincing Liverpool to sell him only after a year after signing him will represent a huge challenge as well, with Isak’s contract running until 2031.

As things stand, though, Alvarez remains Barcelona’s clear priority, with Kane and Isak viewed as possible contingency plans if negotiations for the Argentine ultimately fail.