Top five Julian Alvarez alternatives Barcelona should target this summer ft. Joao Pedro
(Courtesy : LaLiga Content Hub)
The Catalans are looking for a proven centre-forward.
Julian Alvarez is FC Barcelona‘s top objective to bolster their assault in 2026–2027. But it appears like the Catalans are linked to other elite strikers throughout Europe daily. Junior Kroupi of AFC Bournemouth is the most recent name to be mentioned in connection to Barça.
While the Atletico Madrid striker is still the club’s top target to bolster Hansi Flick’s attack, the operation has gotten increasingly problematic. It is now pushing the Blaugrana leadership to consider other possibilities.
List of Julian Alvarez alternatives Barcelona can sign in the summer window
| S.No. | Player |
| 5 | Dusan Vlahovic |
| 4 | Victor Osimhen |
| 3 | Lautaro Martínez |
| 2 | Joao Pedro |
| 1 | Junior Kroupi |
5. Dusan Vlahovic
Dušan Vlahović appeared to be a world-class striker when he joined Fiorentina at the beginning of the decade. But after joining Juventus, the striker couldn’t set a benchmark. He was labelled as a failed signing.
He has now become a free agent after four-plus lacklustre years at Juventus. Vlahović, a Serbian international, is on Barcelona’s radar due to the attractiveness of a free move. At 26, he still has time to resuscitate his career.
4. Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen has spent the last couple of years away from the major European limelight with Galatasaray. But his exploits in the UEFA Champions League remind us that he is one of the world’s most devastating attackers.
At 27 years old, the Nigeria international would be a consistent scoring presence for Barcelona for years to come. The number of opportunities Flick’s team creates would allow Osimhen to feast. He may become Lamine Yamal’s ideal attacking partner.
Similar to how Robert Lewandowski was until age caught up with him this past season.
3. Lautaro Martínez
Lautaro Martínez has also been explored, although his contract makes a trade difficult. Inter Milan will want a high fee that Barcelona are unlikely to match.
Furthermore, Martínez does not match the profile of Barça’s centre-forward, since the club prefers a more direct striker. Martínez has not been prolific. A disappointing World Cup performance may affect the club’s willingness to sign him.
2. Joao Pedro
Barcelona luring Pedro away may be extremely tough, but weirder things have happened in the past.
According to ESPN, Pedro is regarded as a “cheaper” possibility than Álvarez. However, it will take a significant transfer amount to entice Chelsea to unload their finest signing of the 2025 summer window. However, the Blues may be compelled to sell their talents in order to generate revenue quickly, and Barcelona may be able to take advantage.
1. Junior Kroupi
As they look for a new striker, Barcelona have named Bournemouth star Eli Junior Kroupi as a possible transfer target. The Catalan powerhouses are already considering backup possibilities in case a deal with Atletico Madrid falls through. However, Julian Alvarez is still the Spanish champions’ prime objective.
After signing strikers Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, Barcelona are now looking for a No. 9 to succeed Robert Lewandowski, who has joined the Chicago Fire.
Why can’t Barcelona sign Julian Alvarez?
Atletico Madrid are reluctant to sell him.
Who is the most likely alternative to Julian Alvarez that Barcelona could sign?
There are no solid alternatives as the club are still exploring the market.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.