Barcelona prepare January move for Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, Zinedine Zidane primed for France job after World Cup - Euro Transfer News
ByTNT UK
Updated 09/09/2025 at 17:32 GMT+1
The latest edition of Euro Transfer News suggests a busy January for Barcelona, who are reportedly keen to bolster their already-firing frontline with some high-profile shortlisted players. Elsewhere, former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is reportedly primed to succeed Didier Deschamps at the end of next year's FIFA World Cup, in what would be a seismic change in the France dugout.
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Barca keen on January move for Alvarez
Barcelona sporting director Deco is a big admirer of Julian Alvarez, and wants to sign the Argentina international in January, reports El Nacional.
With Robert Lewandowski's contract set to expire in the summer of 2026, Barca are said to be keen on bolstering their attack - which, last season, established itself among the most prolific in Europe.
Alvarez has scored 30 times in 60 appearances since joining Atletico Madrid from Manchester City for a reported £81.5 million last summer, and the Spanish outlet reports he is high on the shortlist of the Barca board.
The website reports: "Deco wants to close the deal as soon as possible for a player he's convinced has the talent and skills to succeed at Barca. He's already decided which reinforcements he'll try to sign first in the next summer transfer window, even though there's still almost a year to go before that moment arrives. And the top priority will be finding a reliable centre-forward.
"They still have Robert Lewandowski in the squad, but he will end up saying goodbye on June 30th when his contract expires, and is expected to move to Saudi Arabia, where Simone Inzaghi's Al Hilal are offering him a salary close to €100 million net per year.
"They haven't lost sight of his adaptation to La Liga since he signed for Atletico Madrid just over 12 months ago, and his impact was immediate. While it's not easy to adapt to Diego Simeone's style of play, something many stars have struggled to achieve, 'The Spider' did so without complications, proving himself to be a standout performer.
"His intention is to sign him in January, even if he won't arrive until the summer."
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Zidane primed for France job
Zinedine Zidane has not held a coaching position since his departure from Real Madrid in 2021 - but the French icon has remained a regular name in speculation for top jobs around Europe in the interim.
The former midfielder won three successive UEFA Champions League trophies and two La Liga titles across two spells with the Spanish giants.
L'Equipe reports that Zidane is in line to replace Didier Deschamps - who has managed France since 2012 - at the end of next year's World Cup.
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The French outlet added: "Without saying so, the 1998 France Football Ballon d'Or winner is preparing and even spoke with Laurent Blanc about his experience between 2010 and 2012. Zidane watches Ligue 1, European matches, and even beyond. He takes a lot of notes and already has ideas about the future play of the French team.
"Zidane observes the new generation, sometimes finding out about their personalities through his network, including those in the current entourage of Les Bleus.
"The position seems destined for him, even if Philippe Diallo, the very cautious president of the FFF [French Football Federation], does not intend to act on anything before the end of the World Cup.
"The entourage of the head of the federal body reports that 'it is too early' to decide (and especially to make it known), but assures 'that the FFF will be ready when the time comes.'"
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Barca to contest Premier League clubs for Yildiz
Spanish website Fichajes reports that Barcelona, among several elite clubs in Europe - of which some are in the Premier League - are interested in Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz.
The 20-year-old Turkey international has impressed for both club and country since his emergence. He has recorded 16 goals and 13 assists in 86 first-team appearances for Juventus, often operating behind the striker.
Fichajes reports Barca not only face stiff competition from fellow clubs across the continent, but also a steep asking price from Juve, who do not want to let go of one of their key young players.
The website reports: "Barcelona has its sights set on Kenan Yildiz as a possible reinforcement to revitalise its attacking line-up. Joan Laporta believes his signing would be a strategic move for the present and future to return the club to the top.
"Hansi Flick has also expressed his enthusiasm for the possibility of bringing in Kenan Yildiz. The German coach believes his profile would fit perfectly into the system he wants to implement at Barca.
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"Juventus, for its part, has no intention of letting Kenan Yildiz leave easily. The Italian club has been blunt in stating that any negotiations will start at a minimum of €80 million.
"This price reflects the confidence Juventus has in Yildiz. The Turin club sees him as a key figure in building a competitive project in Serie A and the Champions League.
"Barcelona's interest in Yildiz joins that of other major European clubs. Several Premier League teams have also inquired about his situation, aware of the future he faces.
"Joan Laporta knows that signing Yildiz won't be easy. Barcelona's delicate financial situation complicates deals of this magnitude, although the club is exploring creative ways to approach Juventus."
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