15/06/2026
✍️ | Many fans keep asking: "Why don't Barça just sign Oyarzabal instead of fighting for Julián Álvarez?"
The answer is simple: Barcelona don't need another versatile attacker. We need a long-term elite No. 9.
Don't get me wrong. Oyarzabal is a fantastic player. He's experienced, technically gifted, hardworking, and capable of playing across the front line. Any top club would be happy to have him.
But when you look at Barcelona's squad, the question isn't "Is Oyarzabal good enough?"
The question is: "Does he solve Barcelona's biggest attacking need?"
The answer is no.
Barcelona already have players who can create, drift wide, combine between the lines, and contribute goals from different positions. We have Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and other attacking profiles capable of operating across multiple roles.
What we don't have is a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski.
That is where Julián Álvarez comes in.
☑️ Natural centre-forward
☑️ Elite pressing machine
☑️ Relentless work rate
☑️ Clinical finisher
☑️ Threat in behind defensive lines
☑️ Proven in the biggest competitions
☑️ Entering his prime years
Álvarez is the type of striker who can lead the line for Barcelona for the next decade. He doesn't just fit the squad, he fills the biggest gap in it.
This is why Barça are willing to remain patient despite Atlético making negotiations difficult. Atlético know exactly what they have. They're not protecting just another attacker; they're protecting one of the most complete modern forwards in world football.
Oyarzabal would undoubtedly improve the squad.
But improving the squad and solving a problem are two different things.
Barcelona don't need another versatile forward.
Barcelona need their next No. 9.
And that's why the club's focus remains on Julián Álvarez.