Barcelona pursue Julian Alvarez as Atletico face key decision over striker’s future

Barcelona remain determined to sign Atletico de Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, with the Argentina international their priority target for strengthening the attack during the current transfer window.

The Catalan club are understood to have alternative options in case the deal cannot be completed, but sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick continue to strongly support a move for Alvarez, according to Spanish newspaper Sport. Both the player and Barcelona believe the transfer can still be concluded this summer.

Alvarez is keen to leave Atletico de Madrid and has identified a move to Barcelona as his preferred next step. He made his desire to depart public during the World Cup and then reiterated his position directly to Atletico manager Diego Simeone after returning to the club’s training base last Wednesday.

That conversation has left Simeone facing a difficult decision over one of his most important attacking players.

The uncertainty increased when Alvarez was left out of Atletico’s squad for their match against Olympique de Marseille, despite having returned to training alongside the club’s other international players.

Attention will now turn to 19 August, when Atletico begin their league campaign against Malaga. The match is expected to provide an indication of whether Simeone is prepared to bring the Argentina striker back into his squad.

Atletico’s public stance remains firm. The club’s position is: “Julian Alvarez is not for sale”.

However, the player’s determination to leave has created a situation similar to one Pep Guardiola faced with Alvarez two years ago at Manchester City.

In August 2024, Manchester City agreed to allow Alvarez to join Atletico de Madrid for an initial fee of about 75m euros, with the total potentially rising to 95m euros through incentives. The decision followed the striker’s request to leave in search of a bigger role and greater influence at a new club.

Guardiola responded directly to Alvarez’s position at the time. He said a player who was unhappy or wanted more minutes should look for a way out, while also making clear that managing the feelings of footballers who do not play regularly is among the most challenging responsibilities facing a manager.

Simeone now appears to be dealing with almost the same dilemma. Based on the current circumstances, the issue is not necessarily the number of minutes Alvarez receives at Atletico. Instead, it centres on the player’s wish to begin a new chapter, potentially at an opportunity that may not come around again, with Barcelona currently his first choice.

The situation leaves Atletico with a major question to answer before the start of the league season. Will Simeone respond as Guardiola did two years ago and accept Alvarez’s desire for a new challenge, or will he attempt to keep the striker despite his stated wish to leave?

For now, Atletico continue to insist that Alvarez is not available, while Barcelona maintain their pursuit and the player’s position keeps the outcome uncertain.