Barcelona Keeps Push for Julián Álvarez After Deco Meets Agent in Madrid
The quiet meeting was meant to preserve Barcelona’s plan to move quickly if Atlético softens its firm no-sale stance tied to a €490 million release clause.
Overview
- On Wednesday Barcelona sporting director Deco travelled to Madrid and met Julián Álvarez’s agent Fernando Hidalgo, with assistant João Amaral reportedly present, to keep talks alive and refine contingency plans.
- Atlético Madrid has publicly refused to negotiate and says Álvarez can only leave if his €490 million release clause is triggered.
- Barcelona lodged a formal offer close to €100 million that Atlético rejected, and the club says it is willing to increase that figure if Atlético shows any willingness to engage.
- Álvarez made a transfer request weeks ago and wants a move, but sources say he will remain professional, will not breach his contract, and is not expected to stage a public rebellion against coach Diego Simeone.
- With direct club-to-club talks stalled, Barcelona is pursuing discreet agent diplomacy and is prepared to act quickly if Atlético’s position changes or the player renews pressure, a development that would reshape the stalled transfer battle.