Julián Álvarez wants to leave Atlético Madrid. After weeks of silence amid heavy speculation surrounding his future with reported interest from Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, the forward decided to speak to ESPN Argentina after the Albiceleste‘s World Cup win over Austria on Monday and made his intentions clear.
“The best thing for everyone is a transfer, and I want to fulfill my dream. I don’t think it’s the right time to talk about this, but I can’t hide either. I have to be honest,
and I spoke with the people at [Atlético Madrid], the ones I needed to speak with.”
Source: ESPN Argentina
Julián does not mention the club he wants to join, but his desire to play for Barça is the worst-kept secret in the market right now. Álvarez’s bombshell statement was something that Barça felt they needed to strengthen their position in the negotiations, and we should see the club take their next steps soon now that Julián’s request has been made public.
Atlético have been very angry at the possibility of Julián’s departure and made strong statements and wild social media posts mocking the very notion of Álvarez joining another club, and especially Barça. But his request is public knowledge now, and the Colchoneros have to decide whether or not to honor it.
The next few days should be fascinating.
