Recent developments have reignited Barcelona’s hopes of signing Julian Alvarez this summer. The Argentine striker has reportedly rejected a new contract offer from Atletico Madrid, suggesting an openness to a move during the upcoming transfer window.
Atletico Madrid also appears to be open to selling Alvarez, who netted 20 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions in the 2025-26 season. However, the club has made it clear that any deal must meet their substantial valuation, posing a significant challenge for Barcelona.
According to Marca, Alvarez is keen on joining a more ambitious project, but Atletico will only sanction a transfer if they receive an offer in the region of €150 million. This figure would set a new club record for Barcelona, surpassing their previous highest expenditure on Ousmane Dembele in 2017.
The future of Alvarez at Atletico is a subject of debate among club officials. Some believe selling him would provide funds to strengthen the squad across various positions, while others advocate for maintaining a firm stance against his departure, given the increasing interest he has attracted.
Barcelona Unlikely to Meet €150 Million Valuation
While an expected return to La Liga’s 1:1 spending rule will grant Barcelona greater financial flexibility, club leadership has indicated spending limits. They are reportedly unwilling to exceed €100 million for a new striker, making it improbable for Alvarez to join the Catalan giants unless Atletico significantly lowers their asking price.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of Alvarez’s situation, with the uncertainty surrounding his future now considerably higher than it was a few weeks ago.
