Lamine Yamal sends message to Barcelona target Julian Alvarez: ‘We’re waiting for him if he wants to come’ | OneFootball

At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal has already become one of the leading voices in both the Barcelona dressing room and the Spanish national team.

The teenage attacker is currently representing La Roja at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hoping to win another major honour with the national team after having led them to the UEFA Euro 2024 success.

Lamine Yamal discusses Barcelona transfer plans

Speaking in interviews with COPE and Cadena SER (h/t Mundo Deportivo) from Spain’s World Cup base in Chicago, the winger shared his thoughts on the type of striker he would like to see arrive at the Spotify Camp Nou this summer following Robert Lewandowski’s exit.

On being asked which striker he would sign for Barcelona, Lamine replied with a smile:

“Which striker would I sign for Barça? I don’t know. As long as he scores goals! I really like Julian (Alvarez) and Mikel (Oyarzabal).”

Lamine Yamal has commented on Barcelona’s pursuit of a new No. 9. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The teenager was careful to stress that recruitment decisions belong to sporting director Deco, while expressing confidence in the work being done behind the scenes.

“But that’s Deco’s job, and he’s doing it very well. We’ll support whoever comes in and we’ll be very happy with him,” Lamine added.

Strong praise for Julian Alvarez

When asked directly about Barcelona’s priority target Julian Alvarez, however, Lamine gave an even more emphatic response.

“He’s a great player; if he comes, we’ll welcome him with open arms. He’d be joining the best club in the world, with the best fans in the world, in what I consider to be the best city in the world,” Lamine said.

“If I were him, I’d do it. We’re waiting for him if he wants to come – go for it,” he said.

Barcelona’s No. 1 target. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

The comments represent one of Lamine’s clearest public endorsements of a potential transfer and underline his admiration for the Atletico Madrid forward.

Although Alvarez received the strongest praise, Lamine also highlighted Real Sociedad striker Mikel Oyarzabal as another player he greatly admires.

His willingness to openly discuss possible signings reflects the confidence and leadership he has developed despite his young age, both at Barcelona and with Spain.

Whether Barcelona ultimately sign Alvarez, Oyarzabal or another striker remains to be seen at this point.