The future of Julián Álvarez continues to shake up the European transfer window. After a turbulent season at Atlético de Madrid, the Argentine striker made it clear that he wanted a change of scenery. An outing which caused strong tensions with Diego Simeone and the management of the Colchoneros, determined not to sell off one of their major players. In recent weeks, Real Madrid had also inquired about the file before quickly encountering the refusal of Atlético, while FC Barcelona never gave up the idea of carrying out what would be one of the biggest moves of the summer.
If the case has calmed down somewhat in recent days, it is far from being closed. According to information from Sportall parties have agreed to postpone discussions until the end of the 2026 World Cup. In Catalonia, Joan Laporta is already preparing what is presented as the final offensive to convince the Colchoneros. The Argentinian international has already taken an important step by clearly showing his interest in the Blaugrana project. For his part, the Barcelona president is now avoiding any media outings on the subject so as not to further complicate the negotiations, while confirming privately that the issue remains an absolute priority.
Laporta will offer 130 million
The Catalan media also reveals a major change in Barça’s strategy. The Blaugrana leaders criticize Mateu Alemany, director of football at Atlético, for not having immediately transmitted their first offer to Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Ángel Gil Marín. Scalded by this situation, Joan Laporta decided to take up the matter personally. The Barça president is now speaking directly with his Madrid counterpart Enrique Cerezo in order to get around the blockages and try to bring positions closer together. The two men would have agreed to continue their discussions after the World Cup, when Atlético will have had time to move forward on the recruitment of a possible replacement, because this is what is blocking the file for the moment.
Financially, the roadmap is already established. FC Barcelona is preparing a firm offer of around 130 million euros, considered its final proposal. Out of the question for the Blaugranas to go up to the 150 million euros mentioned in recent weeks. At the Camp Nou, it is believed that this sum reflects both the value of Julián Álvarez and the economic needs of Atlético de Madrid. Finally, Barça is not worried about the supposed interest of Real Madrid. Internally, the Catalan leaders consider that this track mainly served to raise the stakes and remain convinced that their main adversary in this matter remains… Atlético de Madrid itself.
