The missing piece for Hansi Flick: Why Barcelona is risking a boardroom war for Julian Alvarez

FC Barcelona are actively pursuing a €100 million deal to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as their primary central forward.

Read Also: Julián Álvarez at FC Barcelona: the ultimatum has expired!

Replacing Lewandowski's goal output

Barcelona face a substantial goalscoring void following the departure of Robert Lewandowski to MLS outfit Chicago Fire.

The Polish international averaged 30 goal per season during his prime in Spain and still scored 19 goal across all competitions last term. Additionally, the Catalan club lost Marcus Rashford who contributed 14 goals during his stint at the Bernabeu.

While Barcelona have strengthened their wide options by signing Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund and Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, a pair that combined for 27 goal and 11 assist last season, securing an elite central striker remains manager Hansi Flick's ultimate priority.

The €100m bid and statistical profile

Barcelona's €100 million offer for Alvarez remains active despite Atletico Madrid lodging a formal complaint with the Royal Spanish Football Federation RFEF regarding the Catalan club's approach.

The 26 year old Argentine forward scored 20 goal and provided 9 assist for Atletico Madrid in all competitions last season under Diego Simeone. Although his raw goal count was lower than Lewandowski's historic averages, Barcelona's technical staff view Alvarez as a far more complete tactical solution for their evolving front line.

Why Alvarez fits Flick's system?

Transitioning from Simeone’s defensive setup to Flick’s high intensity, attack oriented system is expected to significantly increase Alvarez’s goal production.

Beyond his finishing ability, Alvarez offers far greater work rate and playmaking capability than a traditional target man. His pressing intelligence and chance creation, demonstrated by his nine assists compared to Lewandowski’s four last season, make him an ideal fit for Flick’s fluid pressing scheme.

Joining up with explosive wide players like Gordon & Adeyemi would give Barcelona one of the most dynamic attacking units in Europe.

Backup options and What happens next?

Negotiations between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid remain ongoing as Alvarez pushes for the move. However, if talks stall, Barcelona have identified alternative targets.

Bournemouth's young prospect Eli Junior Kroupi was previously under strong consideration before an injury ruled him out. As a result, the club are monitoring Fisnik Asllani who registered 11 goal and 13 assist last season, alongside Dusan Vlahovic who is available as a free agent following the expiration of his contract at Juventus.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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