Introduction:
FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has officially revealed for the first time ever that Julián Álvarez is a legitimate transfer target for the club's future.
Talking about Manchester City striker Julián Álvarez, Laporta referred to him as an "appreciated player" and the right profile to lead Barcelona's attack when Robert Lewandowski completes his spell in the team.
This is a sharp shift away from inside planning to public announcement — unveiling Barça's long-term strategy and political agenda ahead of the 2026 elections.
Laporta Announces Álvarez Interest in Public: A Bold Strategic Step
In a stunning revelation that caught both the media and fans off guard, Joan Laporta stepped forward and asserted that Julián Álvarez is being considered as Lewandowski's long-term successor.
This is the first time the club president has made reference to the Argentinian striker in such unequivocal terms.
> 🗣 "Julián Álvarez es un jugador muy apreciado. Es el perfil al que estamos buscando cuando Lewandowski termine su ciclo," afirmó Laporta.
These remarks not only legitimize earlier transfer gossip but also place Álvarez firmly at the center of Barcelona's rebuild of 2026.
Why Go Public Now? The Politics Behind the Transfer Talk
Laporta's words carry more than sporting motivation. Pundits believe his public endorsement of Álvarez is politically motivated and opportune, given presidential elections in 2026. Laporta is:
💼 Presenting himself as a visionary chief architecting Barcelona's long-term destiny
📢 Building public hype over a marque transfer that could define his second term
🔄 Putting the pressure on Atlético Madrid, who have themselves been targeting the Argentine goal-getter
By going public now, Laporta is paving the way for a star summer 2026 signing that could shape his campaign agenda.
Why Julián Álvarez Makes Sense for Barcelona's Vision of the Future
Already at just 24, Julián Álvarez already has experience as a champion with Manchester City, winning the Champions League and Premier League, and a World Cup winner with Argentina.
His rapid decision-making, technical skill, and goal-scoring mentality are an obvious match for Barcelona's football.
Most crucially, he offers the level of flexibility and youth that Laporta and coach Hansi Flick want for the post-Lewandowski era.
Álvarez can play as a center forward or even in a secondary role — offering tactical flexibility in future plans.
2025–26: The Transition Season Before the Shift
Laporta's statement also reveals the intentions of Barcelona regarding Robert Lewandowski, who must be the priority once more for the 2025–26 campaign.
However, the writing is on the wall — the Polish forward will take a step back or leave the club after that season ends.
This provides room for a fresh strike player to come in, and Álvarez is being geared up to just that.
As long as he is signed in time, he could even begin becoming a part of the squad come the second half of next season.
Conclusion: A Statement of Intent from Barcelona's Top Office
Joan Laporta's public admiration of Julián Álvarez is greater than flattery — it's a public statement of intent.
Barcelona aren't simply looking to sign an excellent forward; they're planning a generational change at the heart of their attack.
And by making it public, Laporta is aligning football vision with political ambition, hoping to bring trophies and votes in 2026.
For fans and commentators alike, it may be the beginning of a new era — and Álvarez might be the face.
