FC Barcelona: Barça activates plan B after complications with Julián Álvarez

With the Julián Álvarez deal proving difficult, Barça are considering Lautaro without dropping their top target

Europe Today at 06:45

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FC Barcelona: Barça activates plan B after complications with Julián Álvarez

Deco is reported to have met with Lautaro Martinez's agent, who is now seen as Barcelona's main alternative to the Julián Álvarez pursuit.

The FC Barcelona is already preparing its contingency plans. According to Jijantes, Deco met last week with Alejandro Camaño, Lautaro Martinez's representative, to discuss the situation and the future of the Inter Milan captain.

🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Barcelona sporting director Deco met with Lautaro Martínez’s agent, Alejandro Camaño, last week to discuss the Argentine striker’s future.

Lautaro Martínez is one of Barça’s alternatives if a move for Julián Álvarez falls through.

— @JijantesFC pic.twitter.com/xD1Sd0sgTn
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) August 11, 2026

The Julián Álvarez case gets complicated

The Atlético de Madrid striker remains the Blaugranas' top priority. However, the financial demands of the Madrid club and their reluctance to strengthen a direct rival are seriously complicating negotiations. Barça has not given up on Julián Álvarez, though, and is reportedly still exploring ways to bring him in.

In light of this, the Catalan board wants to protect itself against a potential setback. Lautaro has thus emerged as the preferred option for Deco and Hansi Flick to bolster the attacking line in the long term.

Lautaro Martinez, also a tough operation

Signing Lautaro Martinez would not be any easier. The Argentine remains captain and a key figure at Inter Milan, a club that is in no hurry to lose its top scorer without receiving a truly significant offer.

Under contract until June 2029, the former Racing Club player also maintains a market value estimated at €85 million.

Impressive stats with Inter

Last season, Lautaro finished as Serie A's top scorer with 17 goals in 30 matches, also providing six assists. Since joining Milan in 2018, he has netted 175 goals in 376 appearances across all competitions. These numbers explain why Barça views him as a credible alternative—though almost as difficult to secure as Julián Álvarez.