Julian Alvarez causes FIFA to change transfer rule

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

FIFA are set to change a key transfer rule following Julian Alvarez’s failed move from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona this summer.

The Argentina striker was desperate to complete a dream move to Barcelona before the end of the window, but Atletico Madrid refused to sell the 26-year-old to Hansi Flick’s side unless his €500 million release clause was triggered.

It’s believed that a fee worth €150m would’ve been enough for Premier League giants Arsenal to finalise a deal, however Alvarez rejected the chance to join the Gunners, despite being contacted directly by Mikel Arteta.

Current ETV

Julián Alvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

Julián Alvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

€84M

ETV Range

€75.6M - €92.4M

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Speaking while on international duty with Argentina at the World Cup, Alvarez told reporters: “I spoke with the people at [Atletico] I needed to speak with, and the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfil my dream.

“It's ‌not the time ‌to talk about this, but I also can't ‌hide it. I try to be an honest person.”

However, he was not permitted to depart and after two substitute appearances in La Liga, the former Manchester City striker started his first match of the new season versus Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.

In response to Alvarez’s saga, as per Spanish outlet Sport, FIFA will amend Article 17 so that clubs “will be required to adapt their contracts to a model where the price for unilaterally terminating a player's contract with a club is reasonably proportionate to the circumstances of the transaction.”

It’s reported the change will “prevent either party from using an exorbitant amount as a tool to effectively block a player's departure.”

Will Julian Alvarez leave Atletico Madrid in 2027?

After failing to sign Alvarez over the summer, Barcelona finalised a €10m deal for Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus on Transfer Deadline Day and he will play a key role for Hansi Flick’s side this term.

However, Raphinha is expected to be Barca’s preferred centre forward this season and the club will then look to bring in a more like-for-like replacement for the departed Robert Lewandowski next summer.

Alvarez will likely be the Blaugrana’s top target again in 2027, although it remains to be seen if they will be able to finalise a deal with Atletico Madrid, who remain reluctant to strengthen a direct rival.

The Argentina superstar scored 20 goals in 49 games across all competitions last season and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €84m.