Barcelona receive official transfer message from Julian Alvarez alternative

Updated: 5 Jul 2026 18:42 BST | 4 min read

Julian Alvarez, Hansi Flick, Barcelona — © IMAGO

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Mikel Oyarzabal has played down speculation linking him with Barcelona, insisting he is “very happy” at Real Sociedad.

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Oyarzabal remains one of the most in-form strikers in world football after sparkling for Spain at this summer’s World Cup.

The 29-year-old has fired La Roja into the last 16 after scoring four goals in as many games in North America thus far.

STATS

Mikel Oyarzabal

F (C)

R. Sociedad

Mikel Oyarzabal

F (C)

R. Sociedad

40

Games
18

Goals
4

Assists

Such has been Oyazarbal’s form in front of goal that there has been tentative speculation linking him with La Liga giants Barcelona.

Barcelona are keen to sign a new striker this summer after Robert Lewandowski left following the expiration of his contract.

Club president Joan Laporta revealed earlier this week that Barcelona have tabled an offer for Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez.

However, Atletico insist Alvarez is not for sale having rejected a €150million (£130m) bid from city rivals Real Madrid in June.

As Barcelona assess their next move, Spanish publication SPORT understands Oyarzabal could be a possible alternative to Alvarez.

However, Oyarzabal has since pledged his loyalty to Sociedad, having spent his entire club career at the Anoeta Stadium.

In quotes carried by SPORT, Oyarzabal said: “I have already said several times that I am very happy at Real, that for me it has been my home and that they have also sheltered me in the most difficult moments, when I have been worse. Thanks to Real I'm here. I can add little more [to the transfer speculation].”

One-club man Oyarzabal has earned legendary status at Sociedad

Oyarzabal will be hoping to continue his rich vein of goalscoring form when Spain face Portugal in a blockbuster clash on Monday.

After making his debut for the Sociedad first team in 2015, Oyarzabal has gone on to score 133 goals in 437 games for the club.

The forward has won the Copa del Rey twice with Sociedad, scoring in both finals in 2021 (rescheduled from 2020) and in 2026.

Oyarzabal is also sixth on Spain’s all-time top scorers’ list, having found the back of the net 29 times in 57 appearances for his country.

He also scored the winner in the final of Euro 2024 as Spain defeated England 2-1 at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.

Alvarez hoping to open World Cup account against Egypt

Alvarez meanwhile is looking to open up his World Cup goalscoring account when Argentina face Egypt in the last 16 next Tuesday.

The 26-year-old was a second-half substitute in Argentina’s thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verve in the round of 32 on Friday.

Alvarez has scored 14 goals in 55 caps for Argentina and was part of the squad that won the World Cup at Qatar 2022.

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