Barcelona’s sporting director has made the trip to the Spanish capital to speed up the search for the Argentine striker – and the meeting could happen as early as the next few days.
The transfer market at FC Barcelona is boiling, and now it looks like they have finally set their sights on Julián Álvarez. The 26-year-old from Atlético de Madrid is the target, and Deco has traveled to Madrid together with João Amaral for a secret meeting with agent Fernando Hidalgo.
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The meeting can take place as early as today, Wednesday, August 5 and Thursday – at a discreet address far from the public eye. That does not mean that a deal is close, but it confirms that the Barcelona management has not given up on a transfer they see as a high priority.
Meeting with the agent – but Atlético holds the key
The purpose of the meeting is to map obstacles, keep the parties updated and clarify what moves the player himself is willing to make. Barcelona sees Álvarez’s will as important – but acknowledges that it does not oblige Atlético to negotiate.
The Argentine is under contract with Atlético Madrid until June 30, 2030, with a buyout clause of a staggering €500 million. That gives the Madrid club full control over any possible exit.
Atlético are firm in their position: they have not started any formal negotiations, and see Álvarez as a key player. In addition, the strained relationship between the clubs makes things more difficult – especially when they have to fight for the same titles.
The meeting with Fernando Hidalgo will therefore be about assessing whether there is a way in at all. The aim is not to negotiate a transfer fee, but to prepare a joint response should Atlético change their minds at the end of the window.
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Atlético is in full control
Barcelona’s main argument is Álvarez’s willingness to consider a move. The club believes that a clear request from the striker can increase the pressure – but at the same time acknowledges that the contract until 2030 limits the room for manoeuvre.
Álvarez has an estimated market value of €120 million. He joined Atlético from Manchester City in 2024, and in his first season at Madrid, he played 54 games, scored 29 goals and provided 7 assists.
The numbers explain why Atlético will not consider letting him go without a bid that changes their sporting planning. Barcelona also have no club-to-club deal or a negotiable price under the buyout clause.
Barcelona accelerates – key date 10 August
Joan Laporta and Deco have decided to keep the operation alive as long as there is an opportunity to move forward. The sporting director believes that the striker can lead the attack for several seasons, and will not give up on the goal until all possibilities have been explored.
The next big moment will be August 10 – the date when Julián Álvarez is expected back at Atlético’s training after the holidays. Until then, the meeting with the agent will give Barcelona the opportunity to define the next steps and assess whether the player himself needs to intervene to get the transfer done.
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