Barcelona in talks to sign Julian Alvarez

Tom Weber

20 Jan 2026 13:20 CST
3 min read

Barcelona director Deco met with the representatives of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez to discuss a summer move, according to a report.

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The Blaugrana are not the most discreet operators in the market, and this is ringing true for their pursuit of the Argentina international. It has been known for months that Alvarez is their dream target to replace Robert Lewandowski.

Signing him, however, is expected to prove eminently difficult. Atletico Madrid managed to beat off stiff competition from Premier League clubs when they signed the 25-year-old in a deal worth up to a whopping €95 million in 2024.

Alvarez has become the face of the Rojiblancos. The 2022 World Cup winner has been exceptional for the capital club, which has seen his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) skyrocket to €120m. He has scored 40 goals and provided 13 assists in 84 matches so far.

Unsurprisingly, then, it will require a hefty fee to prise him away from the Metropolitano. There has been talk of a price tag as high as €200m, which Barcelona would not be able to pay in their wildest dreams, but the Catalans will give it the ol' college try.

Deco has already held Alvarez talks

They may be supported in their efforts by Alvarez himself. The player is understood to be disappointed with Atleti's lack of competitiveness and did not close the door to a summer exit when pressed on the matter in November.

Now, Barcelona have taken the first steps towards a potential deal. According to Ben Jacobs, sporting director Deco personally met with Alvarez's camp earlier this month to discuss the possibility of a transfer.

The journalist adds that several other top clubs are also eyeing a move for Alvarez in 2026. PSG are likely among them. Alvarez confirmed in November that they tried to sign him in 2024.

Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that Atleti are interested in PSG striker Goncalo Ramos, which could make negotiations a lot smoother. PSG also have a clear financial advantage over Barcelona.

Earlier on Tuesday, it was also claimed that Chelsea have entered the race for Alvarez, with one sensational report going so far as to state that an initial €85 million offer has already been made.

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