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Argentina striker Julian Alvarez’s move from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona has entered an apparent lull, after all parties agreed to delay any formal move until after the 2026 World Cup, as the Catalan club look to resume their tireless efforts to seal the summer’s most high-profile deal.
Catalan newspaper Sport has revealed that Barcelona intend to make a final offer of €130m immediately after the World Cup, given that the sum represents the maximum they can pay and reflects the player’s true value and Atletico’s financial needs, completely ruling out raising the offer to €150m.
Alvarez expressed his clear desire to join Barca, while club president Joan Laporta avoided speculation in his latest media appearance, making sure not to jeopardize the club’s position, despite his confirmation that the offer remains in place and that talks are continuing without focus.
One of the main points of disagreement emerged during initial contacts between the two clubs, as there is deep resentment in Barcelona towards Atletico Madrid’s director of professional football, Matteo Alemany. Because he did not immediately inform Enrique Cerezo or Miguel Ángel Gil Marin of the first offer, that prompted Laporta to personally take over the negotiations and open a direct line of communication with the Rojiblancos president.
The two presidents have agreed to continue direct communication to reach an agreement, which both clubs consider difficult, but is still on the table despite Atletico’s refusal stance aimed at overcoming administrative hurdles and speeding up negotiations.
The delay in the deal stems from a strategic consideration, with Barcelona aware that Atletico will not accept the departure of one of their key players without securing a top-quality replacement, so the Catalan club decided to work the transfer market with the Rojiblancos in the coming weeks, hoping that conditions will be more favorable to complete the deal after the World Cup.
Real Madrid’s alleged interest has not affected Barcelona’s plans, with the moves being interpreted at the Camp Nou as a strategy to strain negotiations and raise the price of the player, with no realistic chance for the striker to join the ranks of a traditional rival.
Barca’s confidence is also based on Alvarez’s personal desire, as the club remain confident that the Argentine is a priority for German coach Hans Flick’s sporting project and that if he leaves Atletico this summer, his first and only destination will be Barcelona.
