Barcelona are preparing contingency plans for their striker pursuit this summer, with sporting director Deco identifying a shortlist of alternatives should their move for Atletico Madrid's Julián Álvarez fall through. According to Diario Sport, the Catalan club intend to submit an improved offer in the region of €150 million for the Argentina international, but are simultaneously scouting other options to cover every scenario. The transfer market is rarely straightforward, and Deco appears determined not to be caught flat-footed.
The backdrop to this search is a Barcelona side that has flourished under Hansi Flick but remains in need of a reliable centre-forward who can sustain that momentum. Deco's approach - casting a wide net while prioritising a single primary target - reflects the kind of structured recruitment thinking that top clubs increasingly rely on in an era of inflated fees and complex negotiations. It is worth noting that the sporting landscape is rarely one-dimensional; just as fans exploring other disciplines might browse beach volleyball bets while following a football transfer saga, clubs like Barcelona manage multiple threads of strategy simultaneously, keeping options open without losing focus on the main objective.
Kane the Dream, Kroupi the Dilemma
Harry Kane remains Barcelona's ideal signing. The Bayern Munich and England captain is in the form of his life, and by most objective measures has been the standout striker in European football over the past two seasons. The problem is Bayern's position: the German club have made clear they regard Kane as untouchable, and there is no indication that stance will soften. Barca's interest is genuine, but the path to securing him looks as narrow as ever.
The other name generating attention is Eli Junior Kroupi of Bournemouth. The young forward has attracted widespread admiration for his performances in the Premier League, but Bournemouth's reported valuation of €100 million gives Barcelona significant pause. For a player still establishing himself at the highest level, that fee represents a considerable gamble, and Deco's camp appears to be monitoring rather than actively pursuing at this stage.
Oyarzabal Emerges as the Smart, Cost-Effective Solution
The most intriguing name on the list may be Mikel Oyarzabal. The Real Sociedad captain and Spain international has long been one of La Liga's most complete forwards, and Barcelona have identified him as a financially viable option who would slot naturally into Flick's high-press, positional system. His profile - intelligent movement, sharp finishing, genuine leadership, and a willingness to work hard off the ball - maps closely onto what the German coach demands from his attackers.
Oyarzabal recorded 18 goals and four assists in his most recent La Liga campaign, numbers that reflect consistency rather than a one-season surge. He is currently a starter for Spain at the ongoing World Cup, underscoring that his club form has translated convincingly onto the international stage. His familiarity with La Liga's rhythms and his existing relationship with several Spain teammates already at the Camp Nou would ease any transition. At a fee considerably lower than the alternatives under discussion, he represents the kind of value-driven decision that smart clubs occasionally make when the headline target proves unattainable.
A Pursuit That Will Define Barcelona's Summer
The primary focus remains Álvarez. The former Manchester City and River Plate striker has been exceptional since joining Atletico Madrid, and Barca view him as the profile best suited to Flick's demands - a forward with pace, pressing intensity, and the ability to play across the front line. Whether Atletico can be moved by a €150m offer remains to be seen; Diego Simeone does not part easily with key players, and Álvarez still has considerable value left in his contract.
What this story reveals is a Barcelona that is ambitious but disciplined. Deco is not chasing names for the sake of headlines - each option on the list serves a clear tactical purpose and reflects a genuine assessment of what the squad requires. The summer window will test that clarity, and how Barca navigate the gap between their ideal and what the market will actually deliver could shape the club's competitive prospects for several seasons to come.
