Julián Álvarez is getting closer to becoming the biggest case of Barça’s summer. According to DSports Radio, the striker already has a full agreement with FC Barcelona. The information points to a complete understanding over the personal terms of his contract.
The operation, however, is still very far from being officially closed. Barça may already have the player’s yes, but they still need to convince Atlético Madrid. And that is where the biggest wall appears in a negotiation that promises to be extremely long.
The price that could unlock the operation would be between €120 million and €125 million. According to the same information, that figure could bring the clubs much closer to an agreement. But Atlético maintain a very firm public position and do not want to facilitate his exit.
The player has reportedly chosen
The key to the Julián case lies in the Argentine’s own will. Barça have spent weeks working with his entourage and looking for a clear signal from the striker. Now, DSports claims that signal has already arrived with a complete contractual agreement.
El País had already reported that Julián had given the green light to Barça’s conditions. The club’s proposal would include a five-season deal for the Argentine attacker. The player would also prioritise wearing blaugrana above other destinations.
That desire changes the reading of a financially complicated operation. Without the player’s will, Barça could not compete with the financial power of other clubs. With Julián pushing, Deco can try to force a much more favourable negotiation.
Atlético resist strongly
Atlético do not want to sell Julián and have publicly transmitted a very tough position. Cadena SER reported that the club do not contemplate any scenario involving his departure. From the Metropolitano, they also insist they would not accept an offer of €100 million.
That stance explains why Barça would need to raise the figure significantly to open the door. The €120-125 million range is already closer to a valuation capable of creating debate. Even so, it does not guarantee that Atlético will accept losing such an important piece.
The Argentine’s contract until 2030 gives the Madrid club enormous strength at the table. It also allows Miguel Ángel Gil and Mateu Alemany to control the timing of any conversation. That is why Barça know they will need patience, money and plenty of pressure from the player.
Flick wants him as the leader
For Hansi Flick, Julián fits as the ideal striker to open a new era. His mobility, pressing, attacking intelligence and ability to attack spaces are hugely admired in Barcelona. He is not only a goalscorer, but a footballer capable of activating the entire attack.
The departure of Robert Lewandowski forces Barça to find a top-level reference. Anthony Gordon strengthens one wing, but he does not fully solve the number nine position. That is why Julián remains the name that could give meaning to the whole market.
The Argentine would also bring winning mentality, European experience and a highly competitive profile. He already knows LaLiga and would not need as deep an adaptation as other international targets. That sporting advantage explains the insistence of Deco and Joan Laporta in recent weeks.
Barça prepare the final blow
Barça have already shown they want to move quickly before the market heats up even more. The club have closed Anthony Gordon and now want to finish the major attacking operation. Julián would be the piece chosen to lead the attack for the coming years.
The big doubt is whether the club can reach such a high figure without breaking their planning. A €120 million or €125 million operation would require sales, a payment structure and a lot of Financial Fair Play room. It would also force Barça to choose very carefully which other files remain open this summer.
The outcome still depends on Atlético, but the board has already moved clearly. The player has reportedly agreed terms, Barça are preparing pressure and the figure is starting to take shape. And that is the twist: Julián already has an agreement, but Barça still need to buy the key from Atlético.
Caution note: This situation is based on reports from DSports Radio, El País and Cadena SER. At the time of writing, there is no official agreement between FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid for Julián Álvarez.
Discover more from Barça Buzz
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
