Barcelona place Luis Javier Suarez on shortlist as Julian Alvarez deal stalls

Barcelona are considering Luis Javier Suarez as an alternative attacking target if they fail to complete a deal for Julian Alvarez from Atletico de Madrid during the summer transfer window.

Fabrizio Romano, the journalist who specialises in football transfers, says the Catalan club have added the Colombia international to their shortlist as uncertainty continues over their pursuit of Alvarez.

“Suarez is on Barcelona’s shortlist if the Alvarez deal continues to stall, and Barcelona will not turn to Suarez or other options until next week,” Romano wrote on X.

The report indicates that Barcelona are working against a deadline before deciding whether to pursue Suarez or examine other possibilities. Their immediate priority remains Alvarez, but the club are preparing alternatives in case negotiations with Atletico de Madrid do not progress.

Suarez impressed for Sporting CP last season, scoring 28 goals in 32 league appearances. His form has made him one of the options being considered as Barcelona look to strengthen their forward line.

The Colombian joined Sporting CP from Almeria in the summer of 2025. He signed a contract that runs until 2030, and the agreement includes a release clause worth 80m euros.

Suarez has extensive experience of playing in Spain. Before moving to Sporting CP, he represented Granada, Real Zaragoza and Almeria. He has also played outside Spain for English club Watford and French side Marseille.

The forward featured in Sporting CP’s opening league match of the season against Estrela Amadora. The game ended in a 2-2 draw, although Suarez did not score or provide an assist.

He was also included in Colombia’s squad for the 2026 World Cup and appeared in all five of his country’s matches at the tournament. Suarez recorded one assist, which came in Colombia’s game against Ghana.

Barcelona’s interest in another forward comes after the departure of Robert Lewandowski and with Ferran Torres reportedly nearing a move to Paris Saint-Germain. Those developments have left the club looking for additional attacking strength ahead of the new campaign.

For now, Alvarez remains the main focus of Barcelona’s transfer plans. However, if that move continues to encounter difficulties, Suarez could become a more prominent option from next week, when the club are expected to assess their next step.