Julian Álvarez has been going through the most difficult period since signing permanently with Atletico Madrid. The Argentine striker’s lack of goals under manager Diego Pablo Simeone has sparked debate in the Spanish capital, but has not dampened interest from a Barcelona side who still see him as an ideal replacement for Robert Lewandowski in the short term.
In Madrid his lack of goals is being analyzed, but in Barcelona the diagnosis is different. The former River Plate and Manchester City player perfectly fits the profile of a modern-day striker that the club are looking for to lead a new attacking project.
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Barcelona see Alvarez as Lewandowski’s successor
Barcelona have compared the potential signing of Julián Álvarez to the signing of Luis Suárez almost a decade ago. The Blaugrana board would be willing to offer €80 million in the summer of 2026 for a striker whom they see not only as a proven goalscorer, but also as a versatile footballer who fits the club’s attacking philosophy.
Considering Lewandowski’s contract situation, this strategy is gaining momentum. Lewandowski’s contract expires at the end of this season, and he has already attracted interest from MLS, further accelerating the need for a reliable replacement.
Atletico Madrid consider Argentine striker untouchable
This is not the first time Julian Alvarez has attracted the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs. Just a few months ago, Manchester United and Liverpool were also linked with the striker, but the message from Atletico has always been clear: he is the face of a sporting project and a player to be protected for the next 10 years.
Despite the complex economic scenario, the Rojiblancos consider the Argentine player to be a strategic and essential asset for the club’s future.
Alvarez’s lack of goals is reflected in the numbers.
Julian Alvarez has played in 27 games this season, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists. He has not scored in a competitive match since scoring in Atlético’s win over PSV in the Champions League on December 9. His last goal in La Liga came in November.
Despite this drop in performance, and with the FIFA World Cup just around the corner, both Madrid and Barcelona are confident that the Argentine will return to his best form in the short term.
Simeone publicly supports striker
Manager Diego Pablo Simeone maintains faith in Julian Alvarez and is expected to start him again in Wednesday’s Champions League match against Galatasaray.
“The goals will come. I’m not worried because he’s scoring goals,” said the Argentine coach, confident that his striker will be decisive again. “He must continue to work and maintain stability at the club.”
