Barcelona add experienced 29-year-old La Liga star to their striker shortlist – report | OneFootball

Barcelona’s search for a new striker this summer seems to be leading to one name: Julian Alvarez. However, they cannot afford to put all their eggs in that basket.

Having alternatives and Plan Bs is extremely important, especially in light of Atletico Madrid’s adamant stance on not selling him to the Catalan club.

Now, according to El Chiringuito TV, Barça are working on a deal for Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal.

Oyarzabal has already been mentioned as a possible Plan B for Barcelona in the striker search, with Julian Alvarez being the dream target.

His reported €75 million release clause also makes the operation expensive, but not impossible compared to other elite forwards on the market.

Barcelona keeping an eye on Oyarzabal. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

A different kind of forward

Oyarzabal is not the most glamorous name linked with Barça, but he is a serious footballer.

He can play across the front line, combine well, press intelligently and bring reliability in the final third.

That matters for Hansi Flick. Barcelona are trying to build an attack with more intensity, and Oyarzabal has the work ethic and tactical understanding to fit a more aggressive pressing structure.

He also knows La Liga perfectly. That reduces adaptation risk, which is important for a Barça side that cannot afford another expensive signing who needs a full year to settle.

The Spain connection helps too. Oyarzabal is already used to sharing a dressing room with several Barcelona players in the national team, and that familiarity makes this a really sensible option on paper.

Useful option, but not the dream

Julian Alvarez remains the dream target. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Julian Alvarez is an ambitious target, but should Barcelona not be able to sign him, Oyarzabal would be a brilliant alternative.

He may sound like a conservative solution, but he is anything but that. He is proven, intelligent and dependable, but he would not transform the project in the same way a superstar striker might.

Still, Barça need to be realistic. If Real Sociedad demand the full clause, Barça should think carefully. A €75 million investment for a 29-year-old may not be a wise choice.

However, if the Basque club open the door to negotiate, this could become an interesting market opportunity.

Oyarzabal would not arrive as the most exciting headline, but he would bring quality, maturity and a strong understanding of Spanish football.

It remains to be seen whether something comes of this Oyarzabal situation. It all depends on the Alvarez situation, and it remains to be seen how things play out.