FC Barcelona is still looking for a striker to take over from Robert Lewandowski. Julián Alvarez remains the priority, but the transfer of the Argentine may prove to be too difficult and expensive. That’s why the Spanish champions are analyzing other options, and one of them is Mikel Oyarzabal from Real Sociedad.
Barcelona has been working on rebuilding their attack for a long time. Lewandowski’s departure has left the club in need of a player ready to take on the responsibility of scoring goals. The most strongly considered candidate is Alvarez, currently associated with Atletico Madrid.
However, money remains a problem. Bringing in the Argentine national team striker may cost up to EUR 150 million, and this amount significantly complicates the negotiations. That’s why Barcelona is preparing alternative solutions.
Mikel Oyarzabal on FC Barcelona’s list
One of the candidates is Oyarzabal. The Spaniard has been playing for Real Sociedad for years and is one of the most recognizable La Liga players. His value is estimated at around €25 million, making him a much cheaper option than Alvarez.
For now, Oyarzabal is to be a backup plan. Barcelona treats him as an option in case talks regarding the Argentine’s transfer fail.
The experience and effectiveness of the Spanish representative
Oyarzabal has been with Real Sociedad since 2016, and his contract runs until 2028. He has extensive experience in the Spanish league and regularly plays an important role in his club.
Last season he played 40 games, scored 18 goals and provided four assists. He also looks good in the Spanish national team. At the World Cup, he played in two matches, scored two goals and added one assist.
Barcelona needs a plan B
Bringing Oyarzabal would be a less impressive move for Barcelona than transferring Alvarez, but it could prove to be a reasonable solution. The Spaniard knows the league, is experienced and can play both as a striker and as an offensive player coming off the side.
The coming weeks will show whether Barcelona will be able to achieve its priority goal or whether it will have to move harder for Oyarzabala. The club cannot afford to wait too long, because finding Lewandowski’s successor remains one of the most important tasks of the summer window.
Piala Dunia 2026
Piala Dunia FIFA 2026 akan menjadi edisi paling revolusioner dalam sejarah sepak bola dunia. Turnamen ini untuk pertama kalinya akan diselenggarakan di tiga negara sekaligus, yaitu Amerika Serikat, Kanada, dan Meksiko. Selain itu, jumlah peserta juga meningkat dari 32 menjadi 48 tim, membuka peluang lebih besar bagi negara-negara dari berbagai konfederasi untuk tampil di panggung global. Format baru ini akan menghadirkan lebih banyak pertandingan, atmosfer kompetisi yang lebih luas, serta jangkauan penonton yang semakin besar di seluruh dunia.
Dengan skala yang jauh lebih besar, FIFA menargetkan turnamen ini sebagai ajang yang tidak hanya kompetitif tetapi juga spektakuler dari sisi teknologi dan pengalaman penonton. Stadion-stadion modern di berbagai kota tuan rumah telah dipersiapkan untuk menghadirkan pertandingan berkelas dunia, didukung oleh inovasi seperti peningkatan sistem VAR dan pengalaman digital bagi fans. diprediksi akan menjadi tonggak baru dalam evolusi sepak bola internasional, memperkuat popularitas olahraga ini sekaligus menciptakan momen-momen bersejarah yang akan dikenang dalam waktu lama.
