Barcelona has halted its pursuit of Julián Álvarez and is considering other striker options ahead of the closing of the transfer window, according to sources from ESPN.
While Barça has not completely dismissed the idea of returning for Álvarez later on—possibly as soon as January—the refusal of Atlético Madrid to facilitate the transfer of the Argentina international has prompted sporting director Deco to look for alternatives.
Head coach Hansi Flick is determined to secure a No. 9 to fill the gaps left by the exits of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.
“We are searching for that player [a striker], and Deco is doing an excellent job,” Flick mentioned on Wednesday.
However, other key figures within the club believe there are enough options available in the current squad without needing to bring in a new striker.
“We have lost two attacking players, Lewy and Ferran,” Deco stated. “I think we have adequate solutions to cover Ferran with our recent signings. Replacing Robert, however, is far more challenging. It’s difficult to substitute someone of his caliber.”
“We have some internal options, but we need to explore what’s currently available. There’s a lot of speculation, and I think we will see more movement as we continue to work hard.”
Álvarez has consistently been Barça’s primary target, as reported by ESPN earlier this year, and the Catalan club had an offer of approximately €100 million rejected earlier this summer.
Atlético remains steadfast in their position that the former Manchester City forward is not available, despite his public indication to ESPN that he wishes to change clubs.
Barcelona had hoped Álvarez’s statements might lead Atlético to reconsider, but sources indicate the club now understands that barring an unlikely last-minute change, a deal this month seems improbable.
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Flick remains interested in acquiring a No. 9, even if it isn’t Álvarez, while others at the club believe players such as Raphinha, Karim Adeyemi, Anthony Gordon, and even Lamine Yamal could play in the central role.
Fermín López and Dani Olmo have also been utilized as false nines in the past, and the only natural striker currently in the squad during the preseason is 18-year-old Egypt international Hamza Abdelkarim.
Abdelkarim, still just 18, netted a goal in Barcelona’s victory over Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Wednesday, bringing his preseason goal total to four.
“Hamza is a promising forward,” Flick stated after the match. “We can see his ability to attack crosses. Today, he showed good ball control, which is encouraging. That’s what I want to see from him.”
Earlier this summer, Barcelona also looked into acquiring João Pedro and Junior Kroupi. However, the former has signed a new contract with Chelsea, and the Bournemouth striker will be sidelined for up to four months due to a foot injury.
Recently, Lautaro Martínez from Inter Milan and Luis Suárez from Sporting CP have also been mentioned in connection with a transfer, although the costs associated with both players are deemed excessive at present.
One source indicated that Barça has been monitoring Benjamin Sesko for several years, but acquiring the Manchester United striker is presently seen as unfeasible.
The names of Ayoze Pérez and Georges Mikautadze from Villarreal have also been discussed, with a source stating that Barça has been impressed by the latter’s data and performances since his transfer to Spain.
Barcelona has been active in this summer’s transfer market. This week, Rodri became their fourth signing of the window, joining Jesse Bisiwu, Karim Adeyemi, and Gordon, with João Cancelo expected to join shortly as well.