Barcelona eye veteran La Liga striker as low-cost option; could cost less than €40m release clause | OneFootball

At this point, it is well-established that FC Barcelona intend to sign Julian Alvarez to bolster their centre-forward department in the summer transfer window.

With Robert Lewandowski looking increasingly likely to leave, the Atletico Madrid superstar is seen as the priority target to replace him.

However, Barcelona are aware that a move for the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner will be difficult to pull off and are drawing up alternative plans.

Vedat Muriqi a low-cost option

In that regard, SPORT reports that one of the alternatives that has emerged is Vedat Muriqi, the RCD Mallorca striker, who is enjoying an outstanding season.

Barcelona are working on alternatives for Alvarez that fit a very specific profile: a No. 9 with height, physical presence in the box, and experience at the top level – and Muriqi checks these boxes.

At 31, the Kosovan has become one of the standout players in the league, currently the second top scorer with 21 goals from 30 matches.

Barcelona set sights on Vedat Muriqi. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Standing at 1.94m, he offers a very different profile from Barcelona’s current options, which is precisely why he is appealing: strong in the air, capable of holding off defenders, and with a sharp instinct inside the box.

€40 million release clause

As per the report, Barcelona have already made initial moves through intermediaries to understand his situation, although no direct contact has yet been made with the player’s camp.

Muriqi, aware of the growing interest after his strong performances, prefers to stay focused on finishing the season well before making any decisions.

The 31-year-old forward has a €40 million release clause and is under contract until 2029, although sources close to him suggest he could leave for a significantly lower fee depending on Mallorca’s sporting situation.

In this case, Barça have been tracking him for weeks, believing that if Mallorca were to be relegated, his price could drop further. They will continue monitoring him and will assess his performance until the end of the season before making a final decision.

Muriqi is not the only name on the table. As previously reported, Barcelona are also interested in Alexander Sorloth of Atletico Madrid, who offers a similarly physical profile and experience in La Liga.