Barcelona have doubts over alternative striker options as Lewandowski replacement search continues

Barcelona have doubts over alternative striker options as Lewandowski replacement search continues Barcelona’s pursuit of a new striker has been a key aspect of their transfer policy this summer, and with their priority target proving increasingly difficult to land, the club have been forced to explore alternatives. Two names that had emerged as potential options behind Julian Alvarez were Junior Kroupi and Dusan Vlahovic. However, according to journalist Adrian Sanchez , Barcelona harbour genuine doubts about whether either player is ready to lead the Blaugrana attack next season. Doubts over Kroupi and Vlahovic Barcelona are unsure about Eli Junior Kroupi. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images) Kroupi has been on Barcelona’s radar for some time. The 19-year-old Bournemouth forward enjoyed a breakout debut campaign in the Premier League, scoring 13 goals. The club’s sporting department has extensively tracked him throughout the season , viewing him as an elite long-term prospect. The concern, however, is whether he is ready for such a step right now. Replacing a goalscorer of Robert Lewandowski’s calibre and consistency is an enormous task, and there are clear reservations internally about asking a teenager to shoulder that burden immediately. Bournemouth’s reluctance to sell, combined with a price tag in excess of €100 million, only complicates matters further. Vlahovic, on the other hand, represents a more experienced profile but comes with his own question marks. Despite his pedigree, doubts persist over whether the Serbian striker is the right fit to lead the line for Barcelona at this stage. Why the alternatives are even being considered The reason Barcelona are weighing up these options at all is the sheer difficulty of the Julian Alvarez operation. Julian Alvarez remains the dream for Barcelona. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) Atletico Madrid have stood firm in their stance that the Argentine is not for sale, pointing to his release clause, and have shown no willingness to negotiate with a direct rival. Even Real Madrid’s €150 million bid was rejected outright. With Alvarez looking increasingly beyond reach financially, Barcelona have had to broaden their search. The doubts surrounding Kroupi and Vlahovic, though, leave Barcelona in a difficult position. Alvarez remains the dream, but the financial and political obstacles are significant, while the alternatives currently on the table do not fully convince the sporting department. With the situation surrounding Ferran Torres also unresolved , finding the right man to lead the line has become one of the most urgent and important issues of Barcelona’s summer.