FC Barcelona continues its search for a new centre-forward, and player Julian Alvarez remains at the top of their list. However, the Blaugrana are exploring alternative options should their pursuit of the Atletico Madrid player not materialize.

One such backup option was TSG Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani, but he has now moved away from the La Liga champions.

According to Sky Sports (h/t SPORT), the Kosovo international is set to sign with Bundesliga club RB Leipzig imminently.

Asllani will undergo medical examinations today ahead of finalizing his transfer from Hoffenheim.

The transfer is valued at an initial €25 million, with bonuses related to performance potentially raising the total to €30 million. Hoffenheim has already approved the transfer, and should the medical assessment go smoothly, Asllani will ink a contract lasting until 2031.

Breakthrough season

Asllani had a standout season in the Bundesliga during the 2025/26 campaign, scoring 10 goals and assisting seven others in 35 matches, playing a critical role in Hoffenheim’s return to European tournaments. Borussia Dortmund previously expressed strong interest, but Leipzig clinched the deal.

To avoid affecting negotiations, Asllani refrained from participating in Hoffenheim’s pre-season activities. For Leipzig, securing Asllani’s transfer was deemed crucial before completing Joe Diomande’s anticipated move to Real Madrid.

Barcelona Admired the Striker

Asllani was among the forwards closely monitored by Barcelona throughout the season as they searched for attacking reinforcements.

Barcelona’s interest in the Hoffenheim striker grew due to both his potential and his relatively low release clause of €30 million. While he was not the club’s primary target, Barcelona’s technical staff intensified their scouting efforts amid a challenging striker market.

There were interactions between both sides, with Hansi Flick receiving favorable reports about Asllani, who expressed a strong desire to join the club. The Kosovan international has not concealed his admiration for Barcelona, suggesting his dreams through social media activity, which fueled speculation of a future in the Blaugrana jersey.

However, for the moment, Asllani’s ambition to play for Barcelona will remain unrealized, as he prepares to move forward with RB Leipzig instead.