Barcelona eye Luis Suarez route as Atletico resist Julian Alvarez approach

Barcelona have made a surprise move for Sporting CP striker Luis Suarez as they prepare for the possibility that their attempt to sign Atletico de Madrid forward Julian Alvarez will fail during the current summer transfer window.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said Barcelona have added Suarez to their shortlist while the proposed deal for Argentina international Alvarez remains unresolved.

“Exclusively… Barcelona have Luis Suarez, Sporting Lisbon striker, among the options being considered if the Julian Alvarez deal fails,” Romano wrote on X.

The development represents a change in direction for Barcelona, who have been considering Alvarez as their preferred attacking target. However, Atletico de Madrid are refusing to enter negotiations with the Catalan club over a move for Alvarez to Spotify Camp Nou this summer.

Romano added that recruiting Suarez would not be straightforward because he is an established first-choice player for Sporting CP.

“It will not be easy, given that Suarez is a key player for Lisbon, but he is on Barcelona’s shortlist,” Romano said.

Barcelona are expected to assess whether they can pursue the Sporting striker, along with other alternatives, from next week if the situation surrounding Alvarez remains unchanged.

“Barcelona will consider signing Suarez or other options from next week, beginning on Monday, if the Julian Alvarez deal remains stalled,” Romano concluded.

The uncertainty over Alvarez has left Barcelona examining possible solutions before the summer window progresses. Atletico’s unwillingness to negotiate has so far prevented the proposed transfer from moving forward, while Suarez has emerged as an alternative despite his importance to Sporting CP.

Barcelona’s interest in Suarez is therefore conditional rather than confirmation of an agreement. The club will decide whether to advance for him or turn to another target if the Alvarez negotiations continue to make no progress.

For now, Alvarez remains the central issue in Barcelona’s planning, but the inclusion of Suarez on their shortlist provides the club with another option should their preferred deal collapse. With Atletico refusing talks and Sporting CP reluctant to lose a regular starter, Barcelona face difficulties in pursuing either route.