Al-Khelaïfi is working on an important signing at Luis Enrique’s request.
Paris Saint-Germain have decided to make a formal offer to Atlético de Madrid to secure the signing of Julián Álvarez, a 26-year-old striker, during the January transfer window.
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At the express request of manager Luis Enrique, President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi has given the green light to finance the arrival of the Argentine international. The aim is to move ahead of FC Barcelona, which has also shown interest, and at the same time strengthen the attacking line of the French club in the middle of the season.
Luis Enrique, who has been able to lift the Champions League trophy two years in a row, gets pretty much what he wants.
Why Luis Enrique wants Julián Álvarez
The Asturian coach has asked for the striker because of his versatility – Álvarez can play both as a centre-forward, on the wings and help push the opponent’s ball forward. He was signed by Atlético Madrid in the summer of 2024 from Manchester City for €75 million, plus 20 million in variable add-ons. The type of player fits perfectly into the rotation system that PSG’s coaching staff uses in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
The French sports management’s intention is to make an offer high enough to convince Atlético’s board to sell their key attacking player as early as the winter window. In addition, they want to fend off any future attempts by FC Barcelona, a club that has the striker on its long-term wish list.
Atlético Madrid’s financial requirements for Julián
A sale of the Argentine would require a significant financial effort that exceeds the remaining depreciation amounts at the Madrid club. Álvarez has a contract with Atlético until June 2030 and PSG management is willing to carry out the financial operation to make the player one of the project’s foremost names.
At the same time, such a transfer would close the door for FC Barcelona to sign the striker in 2027, which would force the Catalan sports management to activate alternative transfer plans – such as Junior Kroupi or Benjamin Šeško.
The PSG tops will make first contact with the striker’s representatives in November 2026. The club will then send the official offer to Atlético Madrid during the last week of December, with the aim of completing the transfer in the first days of January 2027.
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