Barcelona continues its pursuit of signing Julian Alvarez, but the club is also preparing contingency plans should negotiations with Atletico Madrid fail.

In this context, according to SPORT, Jhon Duran has emerged as a surprising alternative, with the Colombian striker being considered if Barcelona needs to shift from their main target.

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This update on Barcelona’s transfer activities comes after club president Joan Laporta stated that the Blaugrana will not allow talks for Alvarez to drag on indefinitely. 

While the Argentina international remains Hansi Flick’s first choice to strengthen the attack, the sporting department is also assessing alternative profiles to ensure they have adequate options as the transfer window progresses.

Barcelona Revives Interest in Jhon Duran

The report indicates that Barcelona’s interest in Jhon Duran is not entirely new.

Jhon Duran wants to leave Al-Nassr. (Photo by Gabriel Aponte/Getty Images)

Sporting director Deco explored the possibility of signing the striker during his tenure at Aston Villa, even engaging in talks with the player’s representatives before Duran ultimately accepted a lucrative offer from Al-Nassr in January 2025.

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Since his move to Saudi Arabia, the Colombian has struggled to secure a regular starting spot.

Loan spells at Zenit St. Petersburg and Fenerbahçe have provided him with more playing time, but his long-term future appears to lie away from Al-Nassr.

Reports indicate that the Saudi club has authorized Duran’s camp to explore new opportunities, with Barcelona being one of the clubs approached due to the existing relationship between the two.

Loan Proposal Could Appeal to Barcelona

One factor making the Jhon Duran transfer appealing is how a potential deal could be structured.

Benfica are also interested in Duran. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

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Al-Nassr is open to allowing the 22-year-old to leave on loan with an option to buy, a formula that would suit Barcelona well.

However, it’s worth noting that the striker is also drawing attention from Benfica, with reports indicating that the Portuguese club has begun discussions and held direct talks with the player’s representatives.

Duran is reportedly eager to return to European football, believing that a move away from Saudi Arabia could enable him to revive a career that has stagnated since his early departure from the Premier League.

At just 22, he retains considerable potential and room for further development.