Barcelona identify 25-year-old La Liga striker as 2026 summer target – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona boast one of the most exciting young squads in world football, largely thanks to La Masia’s ever-reliable talent pipeline. With several key players already shining in their early twenties, or younger, the future looks bright.

There are a few areas in the squad that Barcelona would benefit from reinforcing, but not all of them needs to be done in the upcoming summer itself. For example, reinforcing the striker position is not a priority for the Catalan club.

Robert Lewandowski has one more year left on his contract with Barcelona and in all likelihood, it is set to be the final season at the club for the Polish veteran. Thus, the club could hold until the summer of 2026 before signing a number nine.

Barcelona want Julian Alvarez

Julian Alvarez has been brilliant for Atletico Madrid this season. (Source: DataMB)

As per Spanish outlet Fichajes, Barcelona have identified Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as a potential target for the summer of 2026. The player has been brilliant for Diego Simeone’s side this campaign, scoring 29 goals across all competitions.

Alvarez joined the Spanish side from Manchester City in the summer in search of a more prominent role. In Pep Guardiola’s side, the 25-year-old always had to be in the shadow of Erling Haaland and the move to Atletico has worked wonders for him.

However, Barcelona are aware that their financial situation will not allow them to make a move for Alvarez directly. Thus, the Catalan club is planning an operation where they will include certain players in the operation as a swap deal.

Argentinians always do well at Barcelona. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The next logical step in his career

As good as Alvarez has been for Atletico Madrid, the player will want to move to a club of Barcelona’s stature sooner rather than later. For all of the the Madrid’s club’s positives, they are one rung behind the likes of the Catalan club and Real Madrid within Spain.

Julian Alvarez represents an ambitious, long-term solution to Barcelona’s striking needs, but financial constraints mean a straight cash deal seems unlikely. If Deco and the Barça board can craft a creative swap-based offer, this move could gather momentum.

For now, it remains a scenario on the horizon, but one with tantalizing potential. In 2026, Alvarez might just be the marquee signing to usher in the next era of Barcelona’s attack.