Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez appears to have suffered a major blow, with the Argentine forward’s dream move to Camp Nou now reportedly on the verge of collapse.
According to Jose Alvarez of El Chiringuito TV, the transfer of Julian Alvarez to Barcelona is now “99 per cent off the table”, despite the player making no secret of his desire to join the Blaugrana.
Barcelona have spent months trying to find a way to bring the Atletico Madrid forward to the club. However, Atletico’s stance has barely changed.
The latest update suggests that the problem is no longer simply about finding the right transfer fee.
According to the journalist, the negotiations have reached a point where neither side appears willing to give way.
“Today, I’ve been able to consult several sources closely involved in the deal, and the conclusion I’ve drawn is clear: I now consider Julian Alvarez’s transfer to Barça to be off the table.
“Julian Alvarez’s transfer to Barça is 99 per cent off the table, due to a matter of ego rather than money,” said the journalist.
Julián Alvarez has reached his limit
Julian Alvarez will not take any further step. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
One of the biggest factors behind the latest development is Alvarez’s own position.
The Argentine had already taken a major step by publicly expressing his desire to leave Atletico Madrid and fulfil his dream of playing for Barcelona.
That public stance placed pressure on the club, but the forward does not intend to escalate the situation any further.
The reporter explained that Alvarez is now waiting to see whether Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin intervenes, but there is little expectation of a breakthrough.
“Julian is still waiting for Gil Marin to step in. For the moment, there’s no news, and none is expected.
“I’m also told that Julian has done all he can, in the sense that he won’t be taking any further action.
“He has already publicly stated that he wants to play for Barça and that it is his dream. But at the moment, Julian is training and his future is uncertain.”
Barcelona are set to miss out on Julian Alvarez. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
It must be remembered that Barcelona have already put forward an offer worth around €100 million, but Atletico Madrid have not responded to that bid.
Barcelona facing a harsh reality
For Barcelona, the situation is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
The club identified Alvarez as a major target and reached an understanding with the player over personal terms.
Yet the most important part of the operation, convincing Atletico Madrid to sell, has proved impossible.
That is the harsh reality of this Barcelona transfer pursuit. Wanting the player and agreeing terms with him can only take a club so far when the selling side has no interest in doing business.
Unless there is a dramatic late change from Gil Marin or Atletico soften their position, Barcelona may have to accept that their pursuit of Julian Alvarez is over.