FC Barcelona continue to view Julián Álvarez as a top strategic target to strengthen their attack in the medium term. The Argentine forward, currently a key figure at Atlético de Madrid, fits perfectly into the profile the club is seeking to lead the frontline in a post-Robert Lewandowski era. However, bringing him to Camp Nou is far from straightforward. There is only one realistic path forward—and it comes with strict conditions.

The Player’s Willingness: The Essential First Step

Everything begins with Julián Álvarez himself. Tied to Atlético de Madrid until 2030 and protected by an extremely high release clause, the striker remains firmly under contract. As a result, any potential move would require the player to clearly express his desire for a new challenge and apply internal pressure to open the door for negotiations.

While Álvarez has repeatedly stated that he is focused on his current campaign with Atlético, Barcelona’s hierarchy believes circumstances could shift. A season without major silverware in Madrid could prompt the Argentine to reconsider his future and become more receptive to a change of scenery.

Barcelona’s Financial Recovery and the Camp Nou Factor

The second key element is financial stability. FC Barcelona must complete their economic recovery in order to pursue an operation expected to cost around €100 million. The full reopening of the Spotify Camp Nou, scheduled for the 2026–27 season, is viewed as a turning point. With a capacity exceeding 100,000 and significantly increased matchday revenue, the club expects to return to LaLiga’s 1:1 financial rule, which would greatly expand their maneuverability in the transfer market.

Club executives believe that without this structural boost, signing Álvarez would be impossible—even factoring in the salary relief that would come with Lewandowski’s contract expiring in 2026.

A Major Sale as the Final Requirement

The third and final condition is unavoidable: Barcelona would need to sell a high-value player to generate immediate liquidity. While Lewandowski’s departure would ease the wage bill, it would not be enough to fund a transfer of this scale. A significant outgoing transfer would be required to meet Atlético de Madrid’s financial demands and fend off competition from other elite European clubs.

In short, the deal can only move forward if all three factors align: the player’s willingness, financial stability, and a strategic sale. Until then, FC Barcelona will keep Julián Álvarez firmly on their radar—fully aware that he represents both a high-reward opportunity and a high-risk investment.