If Alvarez doesn’t come, Joao Pedro will – Barca ready to “save” the Brazilian

Fresh developments around Barcelona indicate that the club has already narrowed down its priorities for the next transfer window. While the pursuit of Julian Alvarez has proven difficult due to the complexity of dealing with Atletico Madrid, another name has steadily risen to the top of the list inside the sporting department: Joao Pedro.

The Brazilian forward is highly valued by Barca’s recruitment team, who believe his profile matches what they are seeking for the long-term solution at centre-forward. Within the club, he is currently seen as the most realistic and consensual option.

According to sources close to the situation, sporting director Deco is expected to travel to London in the coming days to hold talks with the player’s representatives. During his visit, he could also attend the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, where João Pedro is expected to be one of the standout attacking figures in a high-profile clash involving Chelsea FC and Manchester City. There is even the possibility that he could meet the player directly while in England, although the trip has been kept very discreet within the club.

At Barca, planning is being handled cautiously, with the leadership aware that the financial situation requires careful timing and strategic decisions. Joao Pedro is seen internally as a modern striker: mobile, technically skilled, strong in combination play, and with a clear instinct for goal.

His age and potential for development are also major factors that make him an attractive target, and at present he is viewed as the leading candidate to become the club’s next number 9.

Even so, the operation would be far from simple. His valuation is high, and the overall cost would be in a similar range to what a move for Julian Alvarez would have required. For that reason, interest in the Argentine has cooled somewhat in recent weeks, although he remains highly appreciated within the club’s hierarchy. Initial exploratory contacts through intermediaries confirmed that Atletico Madrid were only open to figures well beyond what Barca can currently consider realistic.

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Despite Joao Pedro now leading the shortlist, the club remains cautious. Any potential move would depend on creating enough salary space, completing player departures, and making progress toward complying with financial regulations before committing to a major investment.