Barcelona have identified Sporting CP forward Luis Suárez as a possible alternative to Julián Álvarez, with Atlético Madrid continuing to resist the Argentine’s transfer. The Catalan club are likely to make a decision on their next move next week, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Blaugrana’s search for attacking reinforcements has become urgent following the departure of Robert Lewandowski and the imminent sale of Ferran Torres. The World Cup final match winner is set to complete a $57.5 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, leaving Hansi Flick with limited options up front. Currently, Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi and teenager Hamza Abdelkarim represent the primary striking alternatives.
The Álvarez stalemate
Barcelona remain interested in signing Julián Álvarez from Atlético Madrid and have tabled an offer worth $116 million. The player expressed a desire to join the Catalan giants during the World Cup group stage, urging Atlético to accept the proposal.
However, the Madrid club have maintained their position despite the player’s wishes. Álvarez returned to preseason training but was omitted from the squad for Atlético’s final friendly before the La Liga campaign begins. Social media speculation suggests the striker may make another attempt to persuade the club’s hierarchy to sanction his departure, though no meeting with CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has been arranged.
Suárez emerges as option
With Atlético refusing to budge, Barcelona have turned their attention to Suárez, who enjoyed a prolific 2025-26 season with Sporting CP. The 28-year-old Colombian scored 33 goals in all competitions, including 28 in the Portuguese top flight, having replaced Viktor Gyökeres in Lisbon.
Any club seeking to sign Suárez must meet his €80 million ($92.7 million) release clause. His record in Portugal contrasts sharply with his previous spells in Europe’s top five leagues, where he managed 26 goals in 107 appearances across La Liga and Ligue 1 for Granada, Marseille and Almería. He also went scoreless in five World Cup appearances for Colombia.
What happens next
Barcelona are expected to abandon their pursuit of Álvarez next week if Atlético maintain their stance, potentially triggering a move for Suárez. The situation remains fluid as the club balances its need for immediate attacking reinforcements against the significant financial outlay required to secure either target.