Barça prepare their big move for Julián Álvarez: Deco makes his move after the World Cup

The Argentine striker remains Barça’s top priority, and negotiations are expected to intensify once his World Cup campaign with Argentina comes to an end.

Barça have already identified the moment to accelerate one of their biggest transfer targets. Once the World Cup is over, the sporting department is expected to step up its efforts to sign Julián Álvarez, the striker Hansi Flick reportedly sees as the ideal leader of the club’s attack. The operation is entering a crucial phase.

Although contacts between Barça and Atlético Madrid have reportedly continued behind the scenes, both clubs have chosen to keep a low profile during the tournament. The priority has been allowing the Argentine international to focus entirely on representing his country. At the time of writing, no agreement has been reached.

Julián still dreams of wearing the Barça shirt

Optimism inside Camp Nou remains cautious but alive. According to recent reports, Julián Álvarez still hopes to play for Barça and would be open to making the move if both clubs eventually find common ground. His willingness is viewed as one of the key elements of the operation.

That desire continues to encourage Deco and the sporting department. However, Atlético Madrid have shown no public intention of making negotiations easy and continue to view the striker as a fundamental part of their project. The Spanish club remains in a strong negotiating position.

Deco keeps a close eye on the operation

While the transfer market continues to evolve, Deco is reportedly monitoring every development involving the Argentine forward. The sporting director is currently in the United States, where he continues overseeing an operation that could define much of Barça’s summer planning. The striker remains one of the club’s highest priorities.

Strengthening the center-forward position is considered essential ahead of Hansi Flick’s first full season. Following Barça’s return to LaLiga’s 1:1 financial rule, the club has greater financial flexibility, although any deal will still depend on the transfer fee and Atlético Madrid’s final stance. Every detail matters.

The real negotiations will begin after the tournament

Inside Barça, there is a belief that the most important stage of the negotiations will only begin once the World Cup is over. At that point, the Catalan club expects to learn whether Atlético Madrid are willing to negotiate or whether alternative targets will need to be considered. The coming weeks could prove decisive.

For now, Julián Álvarez remains the dream signing of Joan Laporta, Deco, and Hansi Flick. The twist is clear: the World Cup may have delayed the operation, but Barça are preparing to launch what could become the biggest move of their summer.

Caution note: At the time of writing, there is no official agreement between Barça, Atlético Madrid, and Julián Álvarez. The reported interest and negotiations remain ongoing and could change after the conclusion of the World Cup.

Francisco Calderón