Spain's transfer window closed less than a month ago, but Barcelona are already planning for summer 2026. Per The Athletic, sporting director Deco's priorities are a central striker and possibly a centre-back, with Atletico Madrid's Argentina forward Julian Alvarez being president Joan Laporta's dream signing.
Barca boast one of world football's top attacks—they scored 102 goals (most in Europe's top five leagues) last season—but summer changes look inevitable, partly due to Robert Lewandowski. The Poland forward turns 37 in August, is in his contract's final year, and Barca expects him to leave next summer; he has started just two games this campaign, only completing 90 minutes in the 3-0 win over Getafe (after missing the Mallorca game with a muscle injury).
Alvarez fits Barca's needs: the 25-year-old World Cup winner scores, plays multiple attacking roles, excels off the ball, and suits coach Hansi Flick's high press. He joined Atletico from Manchester City for up to €95m in 2024, impressed Barca last season (2 goals, 1 assist in 4 games vs them), and even Barca's Pau Cubarsi previously named him a desired signing. Recently, Alvarez shook his head at being substituted again vs Mallorca (after missing a penalty in a 1-1 draw) but scored a hat-trick in Atletico's 3-2 win over Rayo Vallecano.
Yet Barca's finances are a hurdle—they've struggled to register players for five years, making a €90m+ deal tough. Politics also play a role: Barca holds presidential elections before season's end. Laporta aims to run for a third term (a strong contender), while 2021 runner-up Victor Font may challenge. Elections often see candidates tout big signings (e.g., Laporta's 2003 pledge to sign David Beckham, who joined Real Madrid, but Laporta still won).
For now, Flick relies on Ferran Torres as his starting forward. The 25-year-old has started all La Liga games, with 4 goals and 1 assist in 5. Coaching staff say his skillset fits Flick's No 9 role (not winger); he presses high and times runs well, though he lacks Lewandowski's clinical edge and consistency. Club sources expect Torres to feature more than Lewandowski in key moments—his contract runs to 2027, and he has a longer career ahead. Lewandowski won't be benched always, but Flick's trust in Torres aligns with Barca's long-term view.
That view also includes centre-back reinforcements. Deco is monitoring targets like Sporting CP's 24-year-old Portugal international Goncalo Inacio (left-footed, to replace Inigo Martinez, who left unexpectedly). At Barca, Ronald Araujo (signed until 2031) and Andreas Christensen get chances. Araujo, 26, had a tough last season but has started 3 of 6 games after a healthy pre-season. Christensen, 29, struggled with injuries last term, is in his contract's final year (no extension offer yet), and wants to stay—he's made 4 appearances (2 starts) this season, and Flick's staff rate him, but he needs to impress for a new deal. With Barca back as a European force, Deco's policy won't keep underperforming players.