Barcelona have not given up on their pursuit of Julián Álvarez, despite strong resistance from Atlético Madrid. The Catalan club’s sporting director, Deco, reportedly travelled to Madrid for a discreet meeting with the Argentine striker’s representative in an effort to find a way to complete the transfer.
In a renewed attempt to keep the operation alive, Deco, accompanied by João Amaral, met with Fernando Hidalgo, Julián Álvarez’s agent.
According to Sport, the meeting took place at a private location in Madrid and was aimed at developing a strategy for a transfer that remains Barcelona’s top priority during the current transfer window.
Barcelona’s hierarchy are fully aware of the challenges involved but have no intention of abandoning their pursuit. Although negotiations have entered a complicated stage, the club believes that maintaining regular contact with Hidalgo is essential so they can react immediately if the situation changes.
However, Atlético Madrid’s position remains unchanged. The club has no intention of selling one of its most important players, while president Miguel Ángel Gil Marín is reportedly handling the matter personally.
According to the reports, Gil Marín is determined to block any move that would see Álvarez join either Barcelona or Real Madrid, with the aim of protecting Atlético’s image and prestige against their direct rivals in Spanish football.
Institutional relations between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid have further complicated the negotiations. Reports suggest that Atlético’s executives believe Spain’s two biggest clubs are attempting to undermine the Madrid side, leading to a breakdown in direct communication between the two clubs.
As a result, Barcelona have been forced to work through intermediaries and the player’s representatives in order to keep their hopes of completing the transfer alive.
Barcelona’s optimism is also based on the belief that Julián Álvarez himself is eager to move to Spotify Camp Nou. Inside the Catalan club, officials reportedly believe significant progress has been made after the World Cup winner expressed his willingness to wear the famous Blaugrana shirt.
At the same time, reports claim that the Argentine forward has become frustrated with Atlético Madrid’s hierarchy over the way his future has been handled. Sources close to the player allege that he believes Miguel Ángel Gil Marín failed to honour an earlier promise that he would facilitate his departure should he ever decide to seek a new challenge elsewhere.
