Barcelona maintain Julian Alvarez priority amid Luis Suarez speculation

Barcelona have dismissed reports that Sporting CP striker Luis Suarez could become their next option if they fail to sign Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.

The Catalan club’s position was reported shortly after transfer-market journalist Fabrizio Romano said the 28-year-old Suarez had been discussed as a possible alternative. Romano indicated that the Colombian forward was on Barcelona’s list should their efforts to reach an agreement for Alvarez fail to make positive progress.

However, sources at Barcelona told Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo that the claims about Suarez were completely unfounded. The club made clear that its main focus remains Alvarez, with the Argentina international regarded as the first-choice target for manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco.

Barcelona continue to monitor the situation surrounding the Atletico Madrid striker, while Alvarez is also attempting to push through a move to Camp Nou. The two sides remain interested in a potential transfer, although Barcelona would need the circumstances around the deal to develop further before it could become a realistic possibility.

The club accepts that it cannot wait indefinitely if its pursuit of Alvarez reaches a dead end. Should that happen, Barcelona would be expected to turn to other targets in the market. Nevertheless, the club has insisted that Suarez is not among those alternatives at this stage.

Suarez’s name emerged in reports as Barcelona consider their attacking options, but the club’s response suggests there has been no change to its recruitment priorities. Alvarez remains the preferred solution, rather than a player being considered as one of several equal possibilities.

The forward’s situation at Atletico Madrid has therefore become central to Barcelona’s planning. While the Catalan club remains committed to exploring a deal, it will ultimately have to assess other possibilities if its attempts to sign the Argentine do not progress.

For now, Barcelona’s message is that there is no agreement to pursue Suarez as a replacement target. Their stated strategy continues to revolve around Alvarez, with any alternative plans dependent on the outcome of the negotiations for the Atletico Madrid striker.