Barcelona accelerates in the signing of Julián Álvarez
The Argentine forward is the main target for Joan Laporta and Deco to replace Robert Lewandowski.
**FC Barcelona** has decided to close the signing of **Julián Álvarez**, striker for **Atlético de Madrid**, as soon as possible to make him the club's star reinforcement in 2026, according to **El Nacional**.
Joan Laporta and Deco consider him the natural heir to **Robert Lewandowski**, who will leave the club in the summer when his contract ends, likely heading to Saudi Arabia.
Julián Álvarez, chosen by Laporta and Deco
The president and the sports director's top priority is clear: to incorporate a goal-scoring attacker with international projection. **Julián Álvarez** has excelled at Atlético, scoring 30 goals in 60 matches since joining from Manchester City.
"He is a complete footballer, capable of adapting to any system and with a unique instinct in front of goal," commented an analyst on the Movistar Fútbol program, highlighting his immediate impact in La Liga despite Simeone's tactical demands.
The departure of Robert Lewandowski
The farewell of **Robert Lewandowski** marks a turning point in Barça's attack. The Polish striker's contract ends in June, and everything indicates he will join Al-Hilal with an annual net salary offer of nearly 100 million.
Hans-Dieter Flick has turned to **Ferran Torres** as an alternative in the number 9 position, delivering strong performances. However, the board does not yet see him as a starting reference. Hence, the pursuit of an elite striker has become an obsession.
Julián Álvarez and his situation at Atlético
The Argentine does not hide his discomfort with the current direction of Atlético's project. Despite his individual impact, Atlético has not shown sustained growth, leaving him open to new opportunities.
**Barcelona** has closely monitored the World Cup champion's every move in Qatar 2022. His adaptability and ability to decide games make him the perfect candidate to fill the gap left by Lewandowski.
January plan: securing his signing
Deco aims to finalize the operation in January, although the player would only arrive in the summer. The intention is to outpace the competition, as Premier League and Serie A clubs are also considering his incorporation.
**Julián Álvarez's** track record, shining at River Plate, Manchester City, and now Atlético de Madrid, proves he has the maturity to handle the pressure of Camp Nou. His average of 0.5 goals per game in Spain confirms he is ready to be the new offensive leader of the blaugrana club.
The transition in Barça's attack is defined: Lewandowski's exit and **Julián Álvarez**'s arrival. **Barcelona**, aware that they need an immediate impact striker, is accelerating to secure a player who combines youth, international experience, and goal-scoring ability. All signs point to him being the cornerstone of the new sports project led by Laporta and Deco.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Barcelona acelera por el fichaje de Julián Álvarez