Barcelona are already working on alternatives in case signing Julián Álvarez becomes impossible this summer. One of the names being considered is João Pedro, according to La SER. His profile is gaining strength because he fits the type of forward Hansi Flick wants.
The sporting department are looking for a versatile attacker with goals and movement across the front line. That is where João Pedro offers an important advantage over more rigid attacking profiles. He can play as a centre-forward, move wide and also participate inside with real naturalness.
That explains why he appears as a serious alternative to the Atlético Madrid striker. Barça know Julián remains the big dream, but his price makes the operation extremely complicated. While that route remains blocked, other names are beginning to gain weight inside the club.
A striker who fits the profile
João Pedro is 24 years old, Brazilian and currently plays for Chelsea. His main position is centre-forward, although he can also play as a second striker or move left. He also has a contract until 2033, which conditions any future negotiation for his signing.
This is not just any name in the current European attacking market. La SER places him on the list of forwards Barcelona are monitoring as an alternative to Julián Álvarez. Even Bojan Krkic has publicly defended that he would fit well in Barça’s system.
His profile convinces because he combines mobility, hold-up play, finishing and presence in several attacking zones. That is exactly what Barcelona value most at this stage of the market. Flick wants attackers with more variety, not just a fixed finisher inside the box.
The big problem is the price
That is where the main obstacle appears for an operation Barça like quite a lot. João Pedro joined Chelsea in 2025 in a deal close to £60 million. His current market value is also placed at €75 million, according to Transfermarkt.
That means he would not be a cheap alternative or an easy market opportunity. Barça remain conditioned by Financial Fair Play and need sales to attack signings of this size. For that reason, his name is liked, but not seen as a simple or immediate operation.
Barcelona also keep more options open to strengthen the attack this summer. The same La SER information also placed Lautaro Martínez among the alternatives being monitored. That confirms Barça are not tied to one route if they cannot reach Julián.
Barça study him, but do not prioritise him yet
The conclusion inside the club seems quite clear with this new name on the table. João Pedro fits by football, versatility and the type of forward Flick wants. However, his price and long contract keep the operation far from simple.
Right now, Barça see him as a real alternative to Julián Álvarez, not as a closed priority. If the Argentine becomes completely impossible and the club creates financial margin, his name could grow quickly. João Pedro is already on the list, and he fits the striker Barça want to sign.
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