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Maresca's seeing good things at Man City while PSG are seeing the ball in the net four times—one of these assessments is delusional and it isn't PSG's. • Barcola's hat trick was the kind of statement Liverpool needed, and he made it in the most efficient way possible: by actually scoring goals instead of talking about potential. • This story is already obsolete since you're reading it after the match has been played, which tells you everything about the news cycle's relationship with football reality. • Martinez opened his mouth when he should've kept his head down, and now United will punish him because they're desperate to punish someone other than themselves. • Henry was right—Martinez needs to look in the mirror before he looks at the board, because defenders who can't mark properly don't get to lecture management. Maresca's seeing good things at Man City while PSG are seeing the ball in the net four times—one of these assessments is delusional and it isn't PSG's. • Barcola's hat trick was the kind of statement Liverpool needed, and he made it in the most efficient way possible: by actually scoring goals instead of talking about potential. • This story is already obsolete since you're reading it after the match has been played, which tells you everything about the news cycle's relationship with football reality. • Martinez opened his mouth when he should've kept his head down, and now United will punish him because they're desperate to punish someone other than themselves. • Henry was right—Martinez needs to look in the mirror before he looks at the board, because defenders who can't mark properly don't get to lecture management.

La Liga

Is Lautaro Martínez the right alternative to Julián Álvarez for Barcelona?

By WAF News Desk August 22, 2026 9:06 am Updated August 24, 2026 1:28 am 1 min read

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Is Lautaro Martínez the right alternative to Julián Álvarez for Barcelona?

Barcelona appear to have moved on from their chase of Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez and are reportedly going “all out” for Inter Milan legend and Argentina striker Lautaro Martínez. “El Toro” is Barça’s top name on the list of…

WAF Context

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Barcelona have reportedly shifted focus from Atlético Madrid's Julián Álvarez to pursue Inter Milan's Lautaro Martínez as their primary striker target. The club view Martínez as their leading alternative and are preparing a substantial bid. ESPN's analysis explores striker options available to Barcelona after failing to secure Álvarez.

What we know

Barcelona have moved away from pursuing Julián Álvarez.
Lautaro Martínez is Barcelona's top alternative striker target.
The club are preparing a significant bid for the Inter Milan forward.

Why it matters

Barcelona's striker search remains unresolved. The shift to Martínez signals either a change in strategy or acknowledgment that Álvarez is unattainable. This decision will shape their attacking options and transfer spending for the season.

Read Full Story at Barca Blaugranes (Barcelona)

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