The 3 forwards that Barcelona is considering in case the signing of Julián Álvarez falls through

The Argentine forward is the top priority for the Catalan team, but there are more names on Deco's list.

Héctor Andreu | 14 Nov 2025 | 15.32
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Barcelona wants Julián Álvarez, but has more options / Marca
Barcelona wants Julián Álvarez, but has more options / Marca

La Liga
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Atletico Madrid Real Oviedo
29/11/25 21:00:00
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FC Barcelona has already started the plan to take a significant step forward in their forward line: although the continuity of FC Barcelona Robert Lewandowski has not been finalized yet. With a contract until the end of June next year and nearing 38 years old, his high salary and age are prompting the club to seriously explore different paths. Muscle injuries have hampered his start, but the Polish striker has shown his effectiveness (seven goals in nine games), reinforcing his desire to continue at the Camp Nou.

However, the sporting board understands that it is time to look towards the future, which is why they already have four very different profiles on the table for the '9' position in the upcoming cycle.

Why is FC Barcelona already preparing its forward line?

Lewandowski's continuity is not guaranteed: his contract ends on June 30 next year, and despite his desire to stay, the club recognizes that his salary and age necessitate a rethink of his position. Although he remains the team's top scorer, Barça understands that his era as the offensive reference could be coming to an end.
For this reason, FC Barcelona is actively searching for his successor, considering options for immediate impact as well as future projects.

Candidates to replace Lewandowski at FC Barcelona

1. Julián Álvarez – high-level bet

Álvarez, a forward from Atlético de Madrid, stands out as the primary weighty choice for FC Barcelona: a proven talent, 25 years old, and capable of leading an attack. According to various sources, Barça already acknowledges that “the idea is to sign him once Lewandowski leaves.” The main obstacle lies in his valuation: he would cost a very large sum, and Atlético de Madrid is reluctant to part with him. Therefore, although he fits the desired profile perfectly, his acquisition poses a challenging economic hurdle as there are already offers of 150 million euros.

2. Harry Kane – immediate performance, veteran squad

FC Barcelona sees Kane as the most “secure” replacement for Lewandowski's profile: an internationally proven goal scorer with crucial experiences and a release clause from Bayern Munich that could facilitate his arrival.
However, at 32 years old, he would not bring rejuvenation to the squad in the context of a regeneration strategy. Additionally, Bayern seems willing to depart from their usual policy with players over 30 to retain him. Thus, although viable, Barcelona considers him a less suited option for the future project.

3. Etta Eyong – young and affordable bet

FC Barcelona's sports management also has a “low-cost” plan: Eyong, a young Cameroonian forward currently playing for Levante UD after moving from Villarreal CF. His numbers and potential make him an interesting option for growth in the first team.
There are favorable conditions: his release clause is estimated around 30 million euros for Spanish clubs, making him a strategic alternative for Barça. However, Levante has recently rejected offers around 30 million. If the Catalan club decides to bet on him, it could be the most financially sustainable choice.
Therefore, Eyong represents the “future” option compared to the immediate impact of the first two choices.

4. Karim Adeyemi – maximum versatility and high price

Lastly, Adeyemi, a forward/winger from Borussia Dortmund, has been on Barça's radar for some time. At 23 years old, he possesses great speed, versatility to play up front or on the flank, and a contract expiring in 2027. This places him as a medium-term target, albeit with an estimated price tag exceeding 80 million euros.
Barcelona continues to monitor him, but fitting his acquisition into their financial structure seems challenging at present. Nevertheless, if the opportunity arises and Adeyemi becomes more accessible, it could be a signing that shapes several years of the project.

Strategy and decision timing

FC Barcelona is aware that the decision regarding the future '9' may come once Lewandowski's contract expires, but there is some flexibility to renew based on results and conditions. Meanwhile, the sports commission is closely monitoring each of these four candidates and also considering external variables such as release clauses, market trends, and financial roadmap.
In summary, Barça is managing a duality: either bringing in a striker for immediate impact or opting for a younger project, aligning with the regeneration required at the Camp Nou.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 3 delanteros que mira el Barcelona por si falla el fichaje de Julián Álvarez