The Barcelona Striker Problem: Who Can They Really Sign? | OneFootball

Who will be the new Barcelona striker? All their targets have been locked away, priced out of reach, or ruled out for other reasons. Ever since Robert Lewandowski officially packed his bags for the Chicago Fire, Barcelona have been scrambling across the market trying to find his perfect replacement. But with just two weeks to go before the season starts and no reliable No. 9 in the squad, how will the Barcelona striker situation be resolved?

The Dream Barcelona Striker: Julián Álvarez

Julián Álvarez remains the primary obsession for Barcelona, but Atlético Madrid refuse to let him go. The two clubs have been involved in a public spat over the Argentine forward since the end of last season. ESPN reports Barcelona spoke with his camp before officially submitting a transfer bid worth around $117 million. Atlético Madrid rejected it outright, establishing strictly that Alvarez is not for sale while also accusing Barcelona of “market manipulation” and talking behind the club’s back.

Even though Julián Álvarez has publicly stated his desire to leave the club, saying, “I think a transfer is best for everyone” during the World Cup, Atlético remain firm on not selling him at any cost. Just before the World Cup Final, Atlético president Gil Marín stated they would not accept any offer from a La Liga rival. Atlético have presented Álvarez with two choices: fulfill his contract until 2030 or accept a move outside Spain.

FCB President Joan Laporta has reportedly given Atlético an ultimatum until the end of July, with Barcelona willing to stretch their finances to a final around $152 million bid. However, with the end of the month approaching and no resolution in sight, Barça have decided to trigger Plan B in their search for a new Barcelona striker.

Plan B: Eli Junior Kroupi

Sporting director Deco and president Joan Laporta have now turned their attention to the Premier League. AFC Bournemouth breakout star Eli Junior Kroupi is now being considered as Barcelona’s next striker target, but the English club are proving just as difficult to negotiate with.

The 20-year-old French sensation has been electric since his move from FC Lorient in 2025. Reports from L’Équipe confirm that Barcelona submitted two opening offers within the last 48 hours. Both bids were valued at under $117 million and were quickly rejected by Bournemouth, who are highly reluctant to let the player leave after just one season. The English club have reportedly placed a massive $149 million valuation on the young forward.

In his breakout 2025-26 Premier League season, Kroupi scored 13 goals in 33 appearances. He is capable of playing across the entire front line, operating comfortably as a central No. 9 or drifting inside from the left onto his stronger right foot.

However, Roger Torelló of Mundo Deportivo reports that despite rating Eli Junior Kroupi highly, Barça have dismissed a move because they consider Bournemouth’s asking price way too much. The club believes that type of fee should only be spent on a proven world-class player like Julián Álvarez, not on a player who has had only one good season.

Within La Liga: Carlos Espi

Carlos Espi was one of La Liga’s breakout stars last season, scoring 11 goals in 26 games to help Levante stay in the top flight. The Spanish forward is attracting interest from clubs across Europe, and a move to Barcelona was discussed as a low-cost option.

However, Barça have reportedly shown no interest in Espi despite him being available for under $23 million. Instead, the tall striker is on the verge of completing a move to the Premier League, according to Matteo Moretto.

With a release clause of around $29 million, Premier League clubs like Hull City and Aston Villa, along with Lazio in Serie A, are interested in the Levante forward. It’s quite surprising to see Barça not pursuing him, especially considering they previously explored players like Vedat Muriqi and Alexander Sørloth.

Most Likely Option: Fisnik Asllani

While not Vedat Muriqi, the next Barcelona striker could very well be another Kosovan, Hoffenheim forward Fisnik Asllani.

Hoffenheim’s 23-year-old striker has reportedly stalled an almost-completed transfer to RB Leipzig to wait exclusively for his dream move to FC Barcelona. Asllani is a striker Barça have monitored for quite some time, with the Kosovan scoring nearly 30 goals across his last two seasons in Germany.

While Barcelona have not made any official move yet, reports from Diario Sport claim Asllani has officially asked RB Leipzig for more time. A move to Leipzig had effectively been agreed between the clubs, but the player is refusing to give the final green light because he believes Barcelona will call soon.

His release clause is just under $35 million, meaning Barça wouldn’t even need to negotiate a $100 million-plus transfer like they would for Álvarez or Kroupi.

The ball is now in Barcelona’s court, and they need to move quickly if they want to secure the striker before another club swoops in.

Is The New Barcelona Striker Already Here?

To be fair to Barcelona, the two signings they have already made this summer can both play as a No. 9, even if neither is a natural center forward. Antony Gordon, signed for the left wing, and Karim Adeyemi on the other are both versatile attackers capable of playing through the middle.

Hansi Flick and FC Barcelona are also placing plenty of faith in Barça Atlètic striker Hamza Abdelkarim, who was signed from Egyptian side Al Ahly for the B team last season. Abdelkarim is considered one of Egypt’s brightest young prospects and has already joined the senior squad for preseason as Barcelona continue evaluating their options at striker.

Lautaro Martinez, Benjamin Sesko and Joao Pedro are also names that have been thrown around in the news, but any of them joining is unlikely. That means it’s either Ferran Torres leading the line, rotating with Hamza and one of the two new signings in that position. Or, Asllani joins the club and slots right into the starting XI. We have to wait and see.