Barcelona Eyes Julián Álvarez as Lewandowski’s Successor
Behind the scenes at Camp Nou, Barcelona’s management is already planning for life after Robert Lewandowski, whose contract runs until the summer of 2026. The club has identified Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez as the ideal candidate to lead the team’s attack in the post-Lewandowski era.
Sources close to the club reveal that Álvarez’s versatility, intelligent pressing, scoring instincts, and international experience make him a perfect fit to spearhead Barcelona’s offense. At 26 by 2026, he would be entering the peak years of his career, offering longevity and leadership in attack.
German coach Hansi Flick has reportedly given the green light for the move, describing Álvarez not just as a replacement but as a “qualitative addition capable of leading a comprehensive offensive project” to restore Barcelona’s competitiveness both domestically and in Europe.
The main hurdle remains financial. Álvarez’s release clause is close to €100 million, and Atlético Madrid is unlikely to sell easily. Nevertheless, President Joan Laporta is prepared to take extraordinary measures to secure the Argentine, pointing to Lewandowski’s transformative impact as a model.
Preliminary, informal contacts with Álvarez’s entourage have already begun, and the club plans to gradually advance the deal as 2026 approaches. If successful, Álvarez could become the cornerstone of Barcelona’s next era, ushering in a new attacking force while continuing the legacy Lewandowski has built.
Until then, the negotiations remain under wraps, but the club’s priorities and direction are clear.
