Barcelona plot Julian Alvarez transfer as agent strategy emerges

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Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

Barcelona are continuing to push to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid – and according to a sensational report from Spain, the Argentine’s agent is involved in planning a strategy to allow the deal to be concluded.

Alvarez has long been outlined as Barca’s preferred option in attack to replace Robert Lewandowski, who has departed as a free agent.

An initial bid from the Catalans was laughed off by Atletico Madrid, who mocked the €100 million offer on social media.

Current ETV

Julián Álvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

Julián Álvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

€93.4M

ETV Range

€84M - €102.7M

View full profile

Diego Simeone’s side have pointed to Julian’s €500m release fee as the figure Barca must reach for the player to leave, even turning down a public bid of €150m from Real Madrid, too.

From the player’s perspective, he wishes a new challenge and has set his sights on a move to Barcelona, but continues to be met with resistance from senior board members, who have gone public with their insistence that he will stay put.

Barcelona hold Alvarez agent talks

Against this background, Barcelona continue to plot their next move to prise Alvarez away from their Primera Division rivals, and according to a report from Marca, they are doing so with help from the player’s agent.

These talks have been given additional urgency as doubts over Ferran Torres’ future continue to swirl, with PSG expected to push to sign the scorer of Spain’s World Cup-winning goal.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has travelled to Madrid to attempt to finalise a deal and “explore realistic possibilities” of making the former Manchester City star a Blaugrana player.

Deco has reportedly held talks with Alvarez’s agents to determine a strategy that will allow Barcelona to complete the deal.

The Catalans believe that the best way forward will be Julian to go public on his desire to move, with the Argentine expected back in training after the World Cup on 10 August.

Alvarez: I think a transfer is the best solution for everyone

Alvarez has already hinted that he wants to leave Atletico Madrid for Barcelona.

Asked about his future after Argentina’s 2-0 World Cup win over Austria, he said: “Honestly, I don't know. I don't think this is the right time to talk, but I can't hide either.

“I try to be an honest person. I've spoken with the people at the club, with those I needed to speak to.

“I think a transfer is the best solution for everyone, and I want to fulfil my dream.”

It appears that Alvarez will have to be even more forceful in his demands if he is to stand a chance of his dream move, while Barcelona could well be pressed into a deal for the striker, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €93.4m.