A transfer appears unlikely and Barcelona would be best served shifting to other targets
Julian Alvarez is Barcelona’s dream signing this summer.
After Robert Lewandowski’s departure and Marcus Rashford’s return to Manchester United, the club are beefing up their attack.
They have now signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle and Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund, but the crowning piece of this summer’s recruitment is supposed to be Alvarez, whom Barcelona have monitored since his days at Manchester City.
It also appears that the player would fancy a move this summer, but the one stumbling block of course is Atletico Madrid, who have indeed maintained a stance like a hungry old woman guarding a pot of soup.
Their position is that the forward will not leave this summer, and they have verbally attacked any club that dared show an interest. Two weeks ago, Barcelona president Joan Laporta said the club’s initial offer for the Argentine, worth €100m, is still on the table despite Atletico’s rejection.
“[Barcelona sporting director] Deco made an offer of a certain amount of money for [Alvarez], who has wanted to join us since he was at City,” Laporta said.
“I spoke with [Atletico CEO Miguel Angel] Gil Marin. He told me they were not planning to let him go, but the offer is firm and we stand by it.
“It remains on the table and the deal could still go through, but the offer is not open-ended. Atletico said no because they didn’t have a replacement. If they get one, we will see.”
But given the current situation, a transfer appears unlikely and perhaps Barcelona would be best served assessing other targets for such an important position while there is still time in the transfer window.
Atlético’s reluctance comes after losing Antoine Griezmann last summer, when the French forward left the club as a free agent. The club do not want to allow another key attacking figure to depart in the same period, particularly to a domestic rival.
Alvarez is one of Atletico’s most important players, especially so given the departure of Antoine Griezmann just this summer. He is under contract until 2030. His release clause is beyond Barcelona’s capabilities at half a billion euros. The club have complete control over negotiations, and although tensions arose after Alvarez told reporters a move away was the best thing for both clubs, you imagine those can be easily resolved.
Barcelona desperately need a new central striker after Lewandowski’s exit. They may well return to the Alvarez situation later this summer or next season, but shifting to other targets would be the best move now.
