Barça add João Pedro to its strikers shortlist for next season

João Pedro Junqueira de Jesus is the latest name Deco has circled as a potential No. 9 for Barcelona next season. The Brazilian, who joined Chelsea last summer and impressed at the Club World Cup alongside players like Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer, checks nearly every box the club is looking for: young, hard‑working, versatile across the entire front line, and without the kind of oversized ego that could disrupt the locker room.

Barça operating within a tight budget

According to SER Catalunya’s Què T’hi Jugues, Barça’s interest is real. But — just like with Julián Álvarez — any negotiation runs straight into the club’s financial limitations, especially with uncertainty over whether Barça will even operate under the 1:1 rule.

Chelsea paid around $70 million for João Pedro last summer, a hefty investment that makes it unlikely they’d let him go now, especially with a World Cup coming up that could boost his value even further. Despite the star‑studded squad Carlo Ancelotti has, João Pedro could even break through as a starter for Brazil.

Barça knows it can’t rely solely on the Julián Álvarez option. He’s wanted across Europe, and Atlético Madrid is expected to set a massive asking price. Interestingly, both Julián and João Pedro have nearly identical numbers this season: 19 goals and 9 assists.

Changes in attack

The striker decision will define Barça’s summer. With Lewandowski likely on his way out and Ferran Torres entering his final contract year without a renewal offer, both Hansi Flick and Deco understand how crucial it is to find the right partner for Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. João Pedro — represented by Promanager — may not generate the same headlines as Julián Álvarez, but he could be a more discreet, realistic target.

Still, negotiating with Chelsea is never simple. And without genuine willingness from the London club, Barça won’t have much room to maneuver.

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