Atlético Madrid has kept a public posture with zero wiggle room: Julián Álvarez is not for sale. But Barcelona think there are dissenting voices within the capital club’s top brass, who may gain steam as time goes on, according to the latest rumors.
Barcelona are not going to give up easily, especially after the player himself made it public he wants to leave. The situation now is at a stalemate, with Álvarez pushing for his exit and the club unwilling to bend. However, it’s understood both the player and Barça
may leave the topic alone while Argentina prepares their FIFA World Cup knockout games.
Of course, Barça have other options in case the transfer fizzles out, but those options will not be activated for a while. The Catalans think that Atlético may indeed come to recognize that a sale is best for all parties involved, but even in that case, they will try to delay the inevitable for a stronger negotiating position and more money.
Relationships between the two clubs are somewhat icy. Even personal relationships are not what they could be. For example, Atlético’s sporting director Mateu Alemany used to be Joan Laporta’s employee, and some say their parting left some bruised egos.
There have been rumors of a money-plus-players deal, although finding which players both would accept joining Atlético and would be wanted by the club could prove difficult. Rumors say Atlético want Ferran Torres, but he doesn’t want to go there. On the other hand, Marc Casadó might be more willing to move but Atléti has not been fully convinced by him.
Expect more movements on this deal, but for now, Barcelona may take a pause, at least in terms of sending offers.
