Transfer Market: Barcelona Already Has an Alternative to Julián Álvarez

With the midfield situation settled—Rodri has already arrived in Catalonia—Barcelona's management is now focused on securing the striker Hansi Flick requested to replace Robert Lewandowski. Julián Álvarez remains the primary target, although Spanish media, particularly the newspaper Marca, deems his signing "practically impossible." Should the Argentine from rival Atlético Madrid not materialize, Deco will activate Plan B.

In that scenario, the name of Ayoze Pérez emerges, a player who, according to journalist David Sánchez, is particularly favored by the German coach of the culés.

The 32-year-old Villarreal forward is under contract until 2028 and has a release clause reportedly around 30 million euros, a figure considered "negotiable." "If Barcelona comes knocking, Ayoze will do everything possible to be Barça's striker next season," the same source guarantees.

After a lengthy spell in English football, where he played for Newcastle and Leicester, the Spanish international forward returned to his home country in 2023, joining Betis.

Ayoze has been with Villarreal since the summer of 2024, having scored seven goals and provided five assists in 33 appearances last season.