Barcelona Find Alternative Signing for Julian Alvarez After Being Unwilling To Spend $233 Million

With the January transfer window fast approaching, several clubs are in the process of identifying their winter transfer targets. Barcelona, who are atop the 2025-26 La Liga table with 40 points from 16 games, have also reportedly set their sights on a striker.

So, who’s the mystery man Barcelona have been impressed with of late?

Barcelona Keen To Add African Striker to Their Squad

Barcelona are believed to be on the hunt for a new striker with Robert Lewandowski’s deal set to expire next June. While they are allegedly long-time admirers of Atletico Madrid star Julián Alvarez, they have recently earmarked Levante ace Karl Etta Eyong as a target.

According to The Athletic, Barcelona’s senior figures deem Alvarez’s potential signing as too costly. They estimate the financial outlay for a possible move would be around $233 million and also believe that entering negotiations with Atletico Madrid would prove to be challenging.

On the other hand, the Blaugrana’s top brass have identified Etta Eyong as a top subject of interest. They have been monitoring the 22-year-old forward’s development for over a year and failed to sign the player last summer due to issues with their salary limit.

Etta Eyong, who has represented Cameroon thrice at the senior level, reportedly has a release clause of close to $35 million. He has found the back of the opposition net five times in 11 La Liga appearances for Levante since arriving from Villarreal for close to $4 million earlier this summer.

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Barcelona Boss Reacts to Recent Real Madrid Loss

Earlier on Sunday, Dec. 7, Real Madrid crashed to a shock 2-0 La Liga home defeat against Celta Vigo. Williot Swedberg scored a second-half brace for the visitors, who made the most of Los Blancos’ two sending-offs.

Following their second La Liga loss of the season, Real Madrid failed to close the gap with arch-rivals Barcelona at the top of the standings. However, Blaugrana manager Hansi Flick is not too ecstatic about Los Blancos’ recent result.

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“I didn’t see it. I was sleeping. I saw the messages. I’m focused on us, I’m not wasting energy on this. I’m focused on my team. That’s the most important thing. That’s how it is. We always focus on ourselves. We don’t look at the opponent and we don’t want to talk about it. We are focused and we know it’s a long road,” Flick said (via Barca Blaugranes).

Barcelona, who are four points ahead of Real Madrid, will next take on Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. They will later face Osasuna in the league this Saturday, Dec. 13.