Atletico Madrid superstar set to join Barcelona after 2026 FIFA World Cup – report | OneFootball

The future of Atletico Madrid superstar Julian Alvarez is going to be one of the key talking points heading into the summer of 2026.

The Argentine international has struggled with form at Atletico Madrid but is still regarded as one of the best forwards in La Liga.

Barcelona are among the clubs interested in the services of Alvarez as the club look to find a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

However, every report has indicated that signing the forward will be tough, with the player having a long-term contract at Atletico Madrid.

Alvarez to join Barcelona after World Cup

That said, local Argentine journalist Hugo Balassone, in a recent segment on Radio La Red (h/t Mundo Deportivo), has confirmed that Alvarez has already made up his mind.

It appears the former Manchester City starlet has decided to leave Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, with Barcelona emerging as his preferred destination.

Barcelona are desperate to sign Julian Alvarez. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

The journalist goes on to claim that Alvarez will join Barcelona after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is going to play a significant role in dictating his future.

“My information is that Julián Alvarez is going to play for Barcelona. He believes his career needs a team that can give him a title. The motivation for Julián is to go to a team that can be a champion.

“I can confirm this, after the World Cup he’s going to play for one of the best teams in the world. Can you imagine Yamal and Julián up front?” Balassone said.

However, it must be noted that Alvarez’s contract at Atletico Madrid does not expire until 2030, meaning Los Colchoneros will have full leverage to hold out for a hefty price tag for his services.

Barcelona, on the other hand, are not in the best situation financially and may not be able to fund such a big move unless they are able to offload some of their big-money players, such as Ronald Araujo.