Barca set deadline for Julian Alvarez move as Laporta warns offer ‘not open-ended’

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has warned that the club’s bid to sign forward Julian Alvarez will not stay on the table indefinitely, piling pressure on Atletico Madrid as talks continue over a summer transfer.

Laporta confirmed that Barca have formally submitted an offer for the Argentina international and made clear that the next move now rests entirely with Atletico.

“We have made an offer, and the decision is now in Atletico Madrid’s hands. The player has said that he wants to leave, but our offer is not open without limits. We will set a deadline if Atletico change their stance,” Laporta told Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

Flick and Deco pushing for Alvarez

Laporta underlined that Alvarez is a priority target for new head coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco as Barcelona look to reshape their attack ahead of the new season.

“We have made a very good offer. He is the player that Hansi Flick and Deco want, but if it is not approved, we have to work on other alternatives,” he said.

Alvarez, currently with Atletico Madrid, has been linked with a move as Barcelona seek a versatile forward capable of operating across the front line. His desire to leave, as referenced by Laporta, strengthens Barca’s hand, but Atletico are yet to give the green light to negotiations.

The Barcelona president’s insistence on a deadline marks a clear attempt to avoid a drawn‐out saga that could hinder the club’s wider summer planning, particularly as they navigate ongoing financial constraints and squad registration rules in La Liga.

Praise for Deco’s transfer work

Laporta used the interview to publicly back Deco, portraying him as calm and efficient in a tense and competitive transfer market.

“Deco works constantly with efficiency and calm, and he has proved that with Karim Adeyemi. The same was shown with Anthony Gordon. He scored a goal in the semi-final against Argentina after an anticipatory move. He is a fast and hard-working player who presses well, and we are happy with Deco’s work,” Laporta said.

By highlighting names such as Adeyemi and Gordon, Laporta signalled that Barcelona are exploring multiple high-profile options in the forward positions, and that Alvarez is part of a broader recruitment strategy rather than a single make-or-break operation.

‘Several options’ if Alvarez deal collapses

Asked directly whether there was a Plan B should the Alvarez pursuit fall through, Laporta stressed that the club will not be left without alternatives.

“Are there alternative plans if the Alvarez plan fails? They are just other options. The sporting director does not stop working, and there are several options, and he has to choose the most suitable,” he replied.

His comments suggest Barcelona are determined to secure at least one major attacking reinforcement before the transfer window closes, with Deco tasked with weighing up cost, fit, and availability in a tight market.

Camp Nou World Cup final dream

Laporta ended by looking beyond the transfer window, revealing a long-term ambition for the club’s stadium.

He said his “dream” was for the renovated Spotify Camp Nou to host the 2030 World Cup final.

Spain, Portugal and Morocco are set to co-host the 2030 tournament, with several venues still to be finalised. Laporta’s remark underlines Barcelona’s desire for their modernised home to be at the centre of one of the biggest events in world sport.

As negotiations over Alvarez continue, Barcelona face a crucial few weeks that could shape both their immediate on‐pitch fortunes and their broader vision for the club’s future.