Atletico Could Move for Real Madrid Forward If Barcelona Land Julian Alvarez

Atletico Madrid could make an audacious swoop for Real Madrid forward Endrick if Barcelona sign Julian Alvarez in the summer transfer window.

Although Endrick did not get enough playing time in the Spanish capital, Los Blancos consider him an important part of their future.

Barcelona Eyeing Move for Julian Alvarez

Barcelona are reportedly planning to sign Robert Lewandowski’s successor in the summer transfer window. The Polish striker is in the final six months of his contract, and a renewal looks unlikely.

Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, and Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez have all been linked. However, Alvarez is the name generating the most excitement in the Catalan corridors.

According to Diario SPORT, Barca will prioritise Alvarez’s transfer in the summer transfer window. They believe he could be as clinical as club legend Luis Suarez under Hansi Flick. The Catalans are prepared to pay around €82 million to secure the Argentine’s services.

Barcelona’s ideal attack if they sign Julián Alvarez.

THIS WOULD BE INSANE! pic.twitter.com/wE4NdBtVMf

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 20, 2026

Atletico signed Alvarez from Manchester City in August 2024 for a potential €95 million fee, including add-ons. Diego Simeone’s side may not settle for anything under €100 million unless the player forces a move.

Aware of the financial commitment the transfer would require, Barcelona have a identified a backup for Alvarez.

Atletico Want to Sign Endrick as Alvarez’s Replacement

Atletico Madrid are keen to retain Julian Alvarez for the upcoming season and the future. But if Barcelona are successful in luring him away, they could make a shock move for Real Madrid man Endrick.

After playing just 946 minutes of football across 40 games for Real Madrid since the start of the 2024/25 season, Endrick joined Olympique Lyon on loan in January. He is set to return to the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the 2025/26 season.

Endrick has found a new home at Lyon, with him looking more confident and becoming more prolific with each passing game. Naturally a centre-forward, Endrick has impressed on the right wing for Lyon. He has also dropped deep on occasion to build attacks.

Endrick has only played two games for the French side but has already scored one goal and set up another.

Endrick’s Ligue 1 debut. Enjoy. pic.twitter.com/4VEuITP7Bv

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) January 18, 2026

Atletico believe Endrick has the quality to thrive in Europe and are keeping a close eye on him. If Alvarez leaves, they would prioritise signing him.

Signing from a bitter rival is always difficult, and in this case, it may very well be impossible. Real Madrid rate Endrick highly and are counting on him for next season. The 19-year-old also wants to return to the Bernabeu and follow in the footsteps of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo.