Overview
- Barcelona dispatched sporting director Deco and head of scouting João Amaral to Madrid on Wednesday to meet Julián Álvarez's agent Fernando Hidalgo and to map a negotiation strategy rather than to close a deal.
- Atlético de Madrid has publicly refused to sell Álvarez, filed a formal complaint with the RFEF and FIFA over Barcelona's approach, and says the player is under contract until mid-2030 with a reported €500 million release clause.
- Barcelona's initial offers were reported near €100 million while Atlético has set an internal floor of at least €150 million and repeatedly described the player as intransferable.
- Álvarez signaled during the 2026 World Cup that he wants a transfer and is due to rejoin Atlético for training around August 10, a timing that tightens the window for any move.
- Barcelona views Álvarez as its top target and currently has no clear plan B, so the club risks entering the season short of its preferred centre-forward if negotiations fail and may need to adopt tougher tactics or alternative recruitment quickly.