Barcelona view Julián Álvarez as their primary target to strengthen the attack for 2026–27, but the club is weighing contingency plans as interest from Atlético Madrid and other suitors complicates any straightforward transfer. The Catalans insist they will be in a position to spend heavily on a striker this summer, yet their economic constraints could again shape the window.

Chelsea’s João Pedro has been linked as a possible target, though the club acknowledge a move would be difficult. ESPN’s report suggests Pedro is considered a “cheaper” option than Álvarez, but Chelsea would still demand a significant fee. Chelsea’s fragile financial outlook and the risk of failing to qualify for the Champions League could force the club to generate income and consider sales.

Hoffenheim’s 23-year-old Fisnik Asllani is on Barcelona’s radar after reaching double-digit goals and registering seven assists in his first full Bundesliga season. The Kosovo international has appeared to show affinity for Barcelona, posting social media images watching their games, and his agent has revealed there is interest from the Catalan club. “I’ve always dreamt of playing for Barcelona,” Asllani said back in October. Asllani would represent a lower-cost, high-potential option.

Another option is Atlético teammate Alexander Sõrloth. The Norwegian has scored seven goals and assisted three more in 15 career games against Barcelona and has proven his quality in La Liga. At 30 years old, he would likely be a more affordable short-term solution, offering similar traits to Robert Lewandowski and serving as a bridge forward while the club stabilises finances.

Free agent Dušan Vlahović, leaving Juventus after four-plus difficult years, appeals because of his cost-free transfer and age, 26, despite a modest return of six goals in 2025–26 and no 20-plus goal season since 2021–22.

Omar Marmoush, struggling for minutes at Man City with only seven Premier League starts and 17 appearances this season following additions to the squad, and Victor Osimhen, who has impressed for Galatasaray in recent Champions League action and remains a potent 27-year-old striker, are further alternatives Barcelona could pursue if Álvarez proves unattainable.

Liverpool face a summer of decisions over a changing core as Mohamed Salah prepares to leave and Andy Robertson follows. Virgil van Dijk’s immediate future appears secure, but Alisson Becker’s position is now the subject of growing uncertainty.

Age and availability are the primary factors. Robertson, the youngest of the quartet, has just turned 32. Alisson will be 34 toward the end of 2026. While that is not old for a goalkeeper, recent seasons have been disrupted by injuries. The Brazilian missed 10 Premier League matches in each of the previous two seasons and has not played more than 40 times in all competitions in a campaign since 2022–23. Two separate hamstring absences have kept him out in 2025–26 and he currently remains sidelined.

The Times report that Juventus interest continues to firm up and that Alisson is “receptive” to the idea of securing himself a longer contract in Serie A than he has at Liverpool. Italy has a connection in his career; he first made his name in Europe at Roma.

Liverpool’s hierarchy will be weighing succession, performance and the finances. The club invested in Giorgi Mamardashvili as part of succession planning, agreeing a deal worth $39.4 million (£29 million) if all add-ons are triggered following his emergence at Valencia and a fine Euro 2024. Mamardashvili has had limited opportunity to grow into the role. He has been cast as an understudy who has nevertheless been required to perform quickly and he has also suffered an injury, leaving Liverpool reliant on third-choice Freddie Woodman at times.

Last month the club triggered a 12-month option on Alisson’s contract, extending him until the end of 2026–27. That move preserves his status for another season, but it could also be interpreted as a step that preserves the possibility of a transfer fee. Liverpool have already mutually terminated Salah’s contract a year early to remove his wages from the books. Even a nominal fee for Alisson would bring funds back into the club and assist a reset of the goalkeeping department.

Chelsea have made clear they will not accept a low fee for Nicolas Jackson despite a loan to Bayern Munich that failed to deliver a guaranteed move. The arrangement required Jackson to start 40 games across the Bundesliga and Champions League to trigger a €65 million (£56.3 million, $76.1 million) permanent transfer. Competing for minutes in a one-striker system alongside Harry Kane was always a limiting factor and, with only a handful of matches remaining on the loan, the Senegal international has made 13 relevant starts.

Jackson’s raw numbers, when viewed by minutes played, are notable. In the Bundesliga his seven goals arrive at an average of one every 121 minutes; in the Champions League he has scored at a rate of one every 101 minutes. That output helps explain Chelsea’s stance. The Athletic reports that “up to £60 million” ($81.1 million) is what the Blues consider the 24-year-old to be worth in this market.

Supporters may ask why Jackson cannot be integrated at Stamford Bridge. Aside from an alarming on-field discipline record last season, he has 24 Premier League goals across two campaigns. The decision will rest partly with whoever is appointed manager this summer. Other squad developments could influence the case, with Liam Delap already linked with an exit after a single subpar season that could open an opportunity for Jackson.

The club also needs sales to generate reinvestment. Chelsea announced the biggest loss in Premier League history when the 2024–25 accounts were published. The club’s only prior profit relied on the sale of the women’s team to themselves, an accountancy measure not accepted by UEFA and subsequently closed by the Premier League. Although Chelsea competed in the Champions League this season, the likely absence of that revenue in 2026–27, limited matchday income and frequent absence of a front-of-shirt sponsor will sharpen the need for transfer receipts.

Finding a buyer at the valuation is the harder task. Jackson has not been a true prolific scorer and his Bayern loan illustrated the backup role he would occupy at elite clubs. If purchased as a support option, transfer fees fall. Possible suitors mentioned include Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Napoli, Atlético Madrid and Galatasaray, each for reasons noted in recent coverage.