FC Barcelona has settled on its approach for the end of the transfer window: Julian Alvarez or nobody. The Catalan club has reportedly decided not to sign any other centre-forward if the Argentine striker cannot be secured, a stance now embraced by the sporting management and approved by Hansi Flick.
President Joan Laporta confirmed on Wednesday that Barça remains very interested in the Atletico Madrid forward and that the offer made for the player is still on the table. The Catalan club had proposed around 100 million euros, but Atletico maintains its refusal and does not wish to part with its centre-forward.
Barça bets everything on Alvarez
The situation has been stuck for several weeks. Atletico regards Julian Alvarez as a central piece of its project and is relying on his contract running until 2030 as well as a very high release clause. The Madrid club has also made clear on several occasions that it does not want to sell its player to Barça.
For his part, Alvarez continues to favour a move to Catalonia. His wish to leave Madrid has fuelled growing tension around his situation, culminating in the whistles he recently received from part of the Metropolitano crowd. The Argentine striker did not take part in Wednesday's training session, officially due to illness.
A strategy with no plan B
Barça's choice is now clear: rather than sign a centre-forward as a fallback option, the club prefers to keep faith in its current squad if the Alvarez deal falls through. This position gives the player and Atletico a decisive role in the final days of the transfer window.
Time is running out. Barça is maintaining its offer and is now waiting for a change of stance from Atletico. If that does not happen, the Catalan club will accept the decision to end the transfer window without a new number 9.
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