Story byThe complex scenario that could still bring Julian Alvarez to BarcelonaBarca UniversalWed, December 17, 2025 at 8:20 AM UTC·2 min readBarcelona’s interest in Julian Alvarez is neither new nor impulsive. Inside the club, it is widely accepted that the current financial reality makes any immediate move impossible. Yet despite those limitations, Barça continue to keep the Atletico Madrid forward firmly on their long-term radar as a potential successor to Robert Lewandowski in 2026. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt is said that Alvarez fits the profile Barcelona are increasingly prioritising. He is young enough to justify a long-term contract, experienced at the highest level, and would be considered a fully amortisable investment rather than a short-term fix. It is not that easyThat said, the operation is far from straightforward. This is because Atletico Madrid’s recent change in ownership has further complicated matters. They are no longer a club under financial pressure, which significantly reduces the likelihood of Atletico being forced into negotiations. On paper, Barcelona have very little leverage. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, Barça believe certain conditions could shift the balance.