Barça does not forget about Erling Haaland, despite Julián Álvarez

The 25/26 season has not started and FC Barcelona is already thinking about long-term options for its attack. Julián Álvarez, from Atlético de Madrid, is one of the options, but there is also another name highly desired by the Barça board: Erling Haaland.

The Manchester City 'killer comes from scoring 34 goals in 24/25, in addition to providing 5 assists. 22 of his goals were scored in the Premier League, finishing third in the scoring charts, behind Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak. In the previous two seasons he was the top scorer.

Robert Lewandowski, the reference '9' of the Barça club, has one year left on his contract. In the last year he scored 42 goals in 52 games, more than positive figures. Although they are very good numbers, he will turn 37 next August 21 and it is difficult for him to be at 100% in all the games. That is why the club's presidency is considering bringing in a scorer as his replacement.

Erling Haaland: A possible dream for Barça in 2026?

The Norwegian striker is a player coveted by any elite team. Since arriving at the 'citizens' in 2022, he has scored more than 30 goals per season in all competitions. In addition, he won the treble in 22/23, including the UEFA Champions League.

According to ‘Transfermarkt’, Haaland's transfer value is estimated at 200 million euros, a fairly high amount for the budget that Barça manages. In January he signed his renewal until 2034, a factor that makes his arrival at the Barça club difficult, but not impossible. His annual salary for now is around 30 million euros.

However, his prominence has decreased in the last year, where he has had some friction with Pep Guardiola. Although there is no termination clause in England, the Norwegian could resort to the 'transfer request' (right to request an exit) and negotiate his early farewell to the Manchester team.

Julián Álvarez's contract and clause, a tough obstacle for Barça

On the other hand, although Álvarez's contract ends in 2030, there is a possibility that he could leave the rojiblanco. His transfer value is estimated at 100 million euros, according to Transfermarkt.

If Atlético de Madrid does not win important titles, the Argentine could consider looking for a more attractive project. The 'Spider' receives a salary of 7 million per year, a much more down-to-earth figure compared to Haaland's emoluments.

In his first season at the 'colchonero', Álvarez scored 29 goals and provided 9 assists in 57 games; thanks to those numbers and what he achieved in his previous spell at Manchester City, Barça has considered him a priority for their sports project.

Mobility, pressure and finishing are part of Julián's presentation letter, characteristics that fit the profile of player that Hansi Flick asks for in that area. President Joan Laporta is already in part to start conversations with his agent Fernando Hidalgo and the 'rojiblanco' club.

Whether it's Julián Álvarez or Erling Haaland, either would be a great addition to the Barça club, both guarantee goals. And it is worth noting that both are still very young, as they both turned 25 years old this year. A very favorable factor this last one to become the possible replacement for Robert Lewandowski, already in a totally renovated Spotify Camp Nou.