FC Barcelona hit by opponent change and striker signing setback

FC Barcelona’s plans for the annual Gamper Cup were disrupted after Premier League side Fulham hired former Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa. Barcelona had considered inviting Fulham, but the appointment was unacceptable to the Catalan club, prompting them to look instead at opponents such as Al‑Ahly, Ajax Amsterdam or Cruz Azul.

At the same time, the club’s striker shortage deepened following Robert Lewandowski’s move to Chicago Fire. Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid has stalled because Atletico is refusing to sell, leading president Joan Laporta to bypass the club’s former sporting director and launch direct talks with Atlético president Enrique Cerezo. The disagreement has heightened tensions between the two Spanish clubs and threatens Barcelona’s ability to replace Lewandowski and retain Ferran Torres.