Atlético de Madrid did not tremble. Asked by FC Barcelona for months to release their star striker Julian Alvarez, the Madrid club has always closed the door to a departure. The Argentinian has however publicly proclaimed his desire to pack up and the Blaugranas have often put pressure on by declaring that their offer for the Colchonero had a deadline. The Spanish media were also not kind in saying that revelations about the behavior of Madrid leaders towards their player were going to come out. Nothing to destabilize coach Diego Simeone. On the eve of facing Malaga in La Liga, El Cholo confirmed that Alvarez would stay at the Metropolitano.
“I still think the same way. I take care of the sporting aspect. We discuss it as we always do. On a sporting level, we need more training with him to get him in top shape. He is one of the best players, if not the best. I think that if the owner of the club has expressed himself bluntly, I believe that there is nothing else to add. It’s like when you go to court, there’s nothing else to say. We take care of the man and the player. We understand that he is not fit to play this match (against Malaga, editor’s note). I show great respect in all the situations we faced… Griezmann, Diego Costa, and today Julián. I fully respect any opinions anyone may express. »
Egos ruined the deal
This night, Barça follower of the show El Chiringuito, José Alvarez, made new revelations on this issue. Generally well informed about the Blaugrana transfer window, the Spanish journalist ensures that the operation is 99% complete. “Julian feels betrayed. But today, I was able to consult several sources involved in this operation. The conclusion is clear: I rule out signing Alvarez for Barça. It was explained to me what happened. I am told that the transfer will not happen 99% because of egos, more than a money problem. There is a party (Atlético) that has always refused to listen to another (Barça). I’m also told that Julian can’t do anything more. (…) Barça is starting to look for alternatives. There is a concern with egos which does not allow us to move forward. And I can tell you that very important agents, who have very important attackers, have booked hotel rooms in Barcelona”.
Seeing Barça looking for other options is no surprise. Yesterday, the name of Ayoze Pérez came out in the media. For his part, El Chiringuito journalist Marcos Benito assures that Barça did try to recruit former Lyon player Georges Mikuatdze, but Villarreal demanded €70 million. Aware of the Blaugrana interest, the Yellow Submarine had recently increased the Georgian’s departure clause for the end of the transfer window. But faced with the requested price, Barça preferred to pass on. Will the Catalans find the rare pearl by the end of the transfer window?
