Atletico Madrid are ready to dig their heels in over Julian Alvarez, which has forced Barcelona to explore several potential alternatives to their No.9 problem.
The Blaugrana are looking for a new centre-forward – or are they? For months, the expectation was that Robert Lewandowski would leave the club this summer when his contract expires.
Though the Poland international has continued to be a goal threat, his importance has waned, which is only natural for a 37-year-old. It was thought that Lewandowski and Barcelona would go their separate ways after this season.
Atleti striker Alvarez is the club’s preferred replacement. However, Barcelona are still struggling financially, while their Madrid counterparts will not accept a cheap deal for their star striker. The Argentine is likely to command a fee north of €100 million, which the Blaugrana simply can’t pay.
Moreover, Matteo Moretto now reports that Atleti are even mulling over handing Alvarez a new contract with a pay raise to fend off interest from Barcelona, as well as Arsenal and Chelsea. This would make a summer move all but impossible.
Barcelona pivot to Sorloth amid Lewandowski uncertainty
As a result of Atleti’s firm stance, Barcelona have been forced to explore other ways of ensuring that they are not left with Ferran Torres as their only striker next season.
One possibility they are sounding out is handing Lewandowski a new contract on significantly reduced terms. An opening offer has been made, but Fabrizio Romano worryingly reports that the Pole is far from pleased with what Barcelona are offering.
The last thing the Catalans need in this situation is a disgruntled Lewandowski who can simply choose to walk away. He certainly has no shortage of suitors, with clubs from Europe, the US and Saudi Arabia vying for his signature.
Pursuing an affordable alternative to Alvarez is also an option, and one that is seemingly picking up steam right now. Moretto reports that Barcelona are checking whether a deal for Alvarez’s teammate Alexander Sorloth is feasible.
The towering 30-year-old has scored 17 goals this season, including six in just under 600 minutes of Champions League football. He is not an undisputed starter, so there may be an opportunity for a deal here.
Barcelona are convinced that there are “technical similarities” between Sortloth and Lewandowski and that the Norwegian could “immediately adapt to Hansi Flick’s system.”
Atleti paid €32m for Sorloth in 2024, but his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at just €23.2m right now. However, it is unclear whether the Madrid club, knowing Barcelona’s predicament, would be willing to help a direct rival while incurring a financial loss.
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