By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Barcelona have identified Sporting CP striker Luis Suárez as a potential alternative to Julián Álvarez as uncertainty continues to surround the Catalan club’s pursuit of the Atlético Madrid forward.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reported on Friday that Barcelona are considering Suárez among their options if they fail to reach an agreement for Álvarez.
According to Romano, however, the Colombian is not yet the club’s immediate priority and any serious consideration of alternative targets would begin next week if the Álvarez deal remains unresolved.
Suárez’s inclusion on the shortlist reflects Barcelona’s need to keep alternative options available while the long-running Álvarez saga remains complicated.
The 28-year-old Colombian has become an important player for Sporting and would therefore not be an easy signing for Barcelona. Reports indicate that Sporting are reluctant to lose the forward, who has emerged as one of their principal attacking players.
Suárez’s recent record explains why he has attracted attention. Reports say he scored 38 goals in 53 appearances in all competitions during his first season with Sporting, following an earlier spell in Spain with Almería.
Barcelona’s preferred target remains Álvarez, but Atlético have repeatedly insisted that the Argentine is not for sale. The striker is under contract with Atlético until 2030 and has a reported €500 million release clause.
Atlético chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has also publicly rejected the prospect of selling him, including for offers reportedly reaching €200 million.
The situation has become particularly complicated after Álvarez expressed a desire to leave Atlético during the 2026 World Cup, saying that a transfer would be the best outcome for both parties. Barcelona have subsequently remained closely linked with the forward.
Álvarez has since returned to Atlético and resumed training with Diego Simeone’s squad. He completed individual work before rejoining the first team in training on Wednesday, signalling that, for the moment, he remains part of Atlético’s plans.
