FC Barcelona have reportedly set a deadline for the Julián Álvarez transfer. By the end of next week, the Catalans want the matter resolved one way or another. Either he will join Barça, or perhaps more likely, he will stay at Atlético de Madrid for this season, and Barcelona will give up their pursuit.
Alvarez did not suit up for Atlético in last Sunday’s friendly against Manchester City FC, but that was because they have given the internationals more time to recover. He is not in the squad for today’s friendly today against Olympique de Marseille, either. That wouldn’t raise any alarms. However, Atlético will want him available against Málaga CF in the first game of the season five days from now.
Reports say that the player himself feels betrayed by the CEO of the capital club, Miguel Ángel Gil Marín. Supposedly, he promised Alvarez that he would be allowed to leave if a good enough offer came in this summer. The Argentine star has also told his current coach and compatriot, Diego Simeone, he feels that his chapter with Atléti is over.
Alvarez could refuse to play for Atlético, which would put his current club in a bind. However, even that move, which is fairly extreme, wouldn’t guarantee the transfer.
In any case, Barça would consider the matter closed as they enter the last week of the transfer window. They reportedly have several alternative strikers they feel confident they could sign if the Alvarez deal does not materalize.