Atletico Madrid stay calm over €90m star’s future despite multiple interest including Barcelona – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have long thrived by leaning on the world-class pipeline of talent produced at La Masia, often minimizing the need to splash out in the transfer market.

However, one position where the academy has consistently struggled to deliver top-tier prospects is at striker, a void that could soon force the club to look outward once again. The only genuine talent to have come in the number nine position through the academy in recent seasons is Marc Guiu, who left the club to join Chelsea last summer.

Marc Guiu’s exit left a gap

It was a shame, as the Spaniard had shown glimpses of becoming a top talent in the striker position for years to come in the limited opportunities that he got under Xavi Hernandez. Robert Lewandowski is ageing and doesn’t have long left at the top.

Julian Alvarez has been brilliant for Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Ferran Torres has proven his worth as a reliable deputy to the pole in the striker role but Barcelona could be looking at the market to bring in a marquee player in this position in the upcoming season, even if not immediately.

One striker who has been the flavour of the season is Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez. Joining the Spanish side from Manchester City in the summer, the Argentinian has enjoyed a brilliant campaign, scoring 29 goals and providing 6 assists in 53 appearances across competitions.

As per Mundo Deportivo, Diego Simeone’s side are calm about the future of the €90m-rated striker despite interest from multiple clubs, including Barcelona. Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Arsenal are also interested in securing his services.

Julian Alvarez is more Ferran Torres than Robert Lewandowski. (Source: DataMB)

2026 could be a turning point

Alvarez joined Atletico just last summer and one doubts he would want to leave the Spanish capital just one season after he went there. However, there is no doubt that if he keeps these numbers up, the 2026 summer could become career-defining for the 25-year-old.

Julian Alvarez may not be on the move this summer, but with Robert Lewandowski’s contract winding down and no clear heir from La Masia, the timing could soon align for Barcelona to act.

If Alvarez continues his current trajectory, the summer of 2026 could become a pivotal moment, not just for him but for a Barcelona side preparing for a new era in attack. For now, all eyes will be on how the Argentine performs in the coming season, with the possibility of a future at Camp Nou lingering in the background.