AI Identifies Five Strikers as Alternatives if Barcelona Fails to Sign Julián Álvarez

Barcelona remains intent on acquiring Argentine forward Julián Álvarez to strengthen its attack during the current summer transfer window, despite Atlético Madrid’s firm stance against selling their player and refusal to enter negotiations.

As talks stall, attention shifts toward potential alternatives. Artificial intelligence has assessed several strikers who could serve as viable options for the Catalan club if the deal for Álvarez does not materialize before the transfer deadline.

João Pedro Tops the List of Alternatives

The AI evaluation places Brazilian forward João Pedro, aged 24 and currently at Chelsea, at the forefront of alternatives, identifying him as the closest technical match to Julián Álvarez.

João Pedro’s versatility extends beyond playing as a central striker; he can also operate as a second striker or playmaker. His ability to link play between lines and contribute to pressing aligns well with Barcelona’s style, which does not rely solely on a striker’s presence inside the penalty area.

However, the report highlights a significant obstacle in the form of transfer cost. Chelsea paid €70 million (approximately $76 million) to secure João Pedro last summer, and he is contracted until 2033. Additionally, he was chosen as Chelsea’s best player for the 2025-2026 season, factors that complicate negotiations with the English club.

Victor Osimhen as a Strong Option

Ranked second is Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, aged 27 and playing for Galatasaray, whom the AI considers ideal for enhancing presence inside the penalty box and boosting attacking efficiency.

Osimhen is noted for his constant movement behind defenders, physical strength in the box, aerial ability, and capacity to force defenders backward. These attributes could provide Barcelona with a different offensive dimension, especially when paired with creators like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, who can supply chances and deliver balls into the final third.

The evaluation also points out that Osimhen does not offer the same level of link-up play and creativity as Álvarez, meaning Barcelona would need to build its attacking system around a striker specialized in finishing rather than playmaking.

Harry Kane Seen as Most Ready

English forward Harry Kane, 32, currently at Bayern Munich, ranks third and is described by the AI as the most immediately effective option.

Kane’s role extends beyond scoring; he can drop into midfield, draw defenders, and create space for teammates like Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and midfielders through vertical passes, making him highly compatible with Barcelona’s playing style.

Nevertheless, age is identified as a key drawback. Kane will turn 33 on July 28, which frames his signing as a short-term investment aimed at competing for the UEFA Champions League title over two to three seasons rather than a long-term solution at striker.

Ferran Torres as an Internal Solution

The AI also suggests Barcelona could retain Ferran Torres, aged 26, as the main striker while simultaneously signing a young, low-cost forward as a backup option.

This approach would avoid spending more than €100 million (around $108 million) on a new striker, allowing the club to allocate resources to other positions. Ferran Torres offers important qualities such as movement, pressing, bursts of speed, and familiarity with Barcelona’s playing style.

However, uncertainty surrounds Torres’s future after receiving an offer from Paris Saint-Germain and his reluctance to renew his contract. This ambiguity may lead Barcelona to postpone signing a world-class striker until next summer or wait for a better opportunity in 2027.

The AI acknowledges that Ferran is not a dominant striker when playing with his back to goal and cannot alone guarantee the scoring rates of top forwards.

Darwin Núñez and Other Exclusions

The fifth option is Uruguayan forward Darwin Núñez, 27, currently at Saudi club Al Hilal, described by the AI as a market-available opportunity but not the optimal choice.

Núñez is characterized by speed, strength, ability to exploit spaces behind defenses, and versatility to play as a central striker or on the left wing. His departure from Al Hilal might be feasible through an appropriate transfer arrangement.

However, the report notes that, like Osimhen, Núñez needs to improve ball control, short passing, and finishing, especially in a possession-based, controlling team like Barcelona. He also requires wide spaces to perform at his best. Therefore, the AI recommends signing him only on loan, after contract termination, or at a low cost, rather than as the club’s primary investment or direct replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

Concluding its assessment, the AI excludes Serbian striker Dušan Vlahović and Slovenian forward Benjamin Šeško from the preferred options list. It states that Vlahović is not suitable for Barcelona and does not support paying large sums for a striker who clearly does not fit the team’s needs, as in Šeško’s case.