Barcelona president prepares €200 million outlay on two marquee signings in 2026 – report

It has been yet another difficult summer transfer for FC Barcelona despite the completion of three signings in Marcus Rashford, Joan Garcia, and Roony Bardghji.

Registrations of new signings and renewals have once again been an issue, while the Catalans will end the summer once again without returning to the 1:1 Fair Play rule.

But, with 2026 being an election year, Barça president Joan Laporta is planning some major moves for the next summer.

€200 million on two big signings

Indeed, according to Fichajes, Laporta is preparing an ambitious move in the 2026 transfer market to strengthen the squad with two world-class signings: Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid and Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan.

The Barcelona board is expected to allocate around €200 million to complete both deals, a statement of intent, both on the sporting and political front, as Laporta aims to consolidate his project ahead of the club’s presidential elections.

Alvarez joined Atletico as a marquee signing last year and quickly proved his worth with goals and assists that placed him among the best forwards in Europe.

With Robert Lewandowski now in the final year of his contract at Barcelona and likely to leave at the end of the season, a long-term replacement is sought, making Alvarez a top target.

At the same time, Bastoni has become a priority for Laporta, Deco and head coach Hansi Flick. The Inter Milan defender has consolidated his status as one of Europe’s most reliable centre-backs.

As a left-footed defender with excellent ball distribution, his profile fits perfectly with Barcelona’s plans.

Inter are unlikely to release him easily, but his contract will reach a critical stage in 2026. Barcelona believe that it could ease negotiations, particularly if the Italians fail to secure a renewal in time.

At the same time, Alessandro Bastoni has become a priority for Laporta, Deco and head coach Hansi Flick. At just 26 years old, the Inter Milan defender already has two Serie A titles and two Champions League finals under his belt, consolidating his status as one of Europe’s most reliable centre-backs.

As a left-footed defender with excellent ball distribution, his profile fits perfectly with Barcelona’s long-term plans.

Inter Milan are unlikely to release him easily, but his contract will reach a critical stage in 2026. Barcelona believe that his contractual situation could ease negotiations, particularly if Inter fail to secure a renewal in time.

A plan dependent on strategic sales

To afford both transfers, Barcelona are studying ways to free up salary space and raise funds through the possible sale of a key player.

Ronald Araújo’s name has emerged as a candidate for departure, especially if he does not establish himself as a permanent starter in defence.

The strategy would be to generate between €70-80 million from a major sale, reinvest part of that income, and cover the rest with the financial injection planned for 2026.