FC Barcelona: The incredible request made to Julián Álvarez

Barça awaits a new move from the Argentine to force Atlético to negotiate

Europe 23 July 2026 at 11:00

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FC Barcelona: The incredible request made to Julián Álvarez

With Atlético Madrid standing firm in their refusal, Barcelona is now hoping for a decisive gesture from Julián Álvarez.

The Julián Álvarez saga has reached a true deadlock. According to AS, FC Barcelona has tabled a €100 million offer for the Argentine striker. However, this proposal, valid until the end of July, has not changed the stance of Atlético Madrid.

The Colchoneros continue to insist their star forward is not for sale. Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has even assured that the Madrid club will not budge, even if offers reach €150 or €200 million. This hardline approach was already evident when Barça launched its first offensive.

Barça awaits a new statement

To break the deadlock, the Catalan management wants Julián Álvarez to publicly reaffirm his desire to join Catalonia. The player reportedly believes he was promised, upon arrival, that he could leave if a sufficiently significant offer was made.

Such a move could ramp up media pressure on Atlético, but it would not legally oblige them to sell. Under contract until June 2030 and protected by a €500 million release clause, Álvarez remains entirely under the control of the Madrid club, which has already handed Barça an initial rejection.

From a sporting perspective, the Catalan interest makes perfect sense. The Argentine finished the 2025-2026 season with 20 goals and nine assists in 49 appearances. Despite the arrivals of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, his profile as a mobile number nine—capable of joining the press and dropping between the lines—would bring a new dimension to Hansi Flick's squad.

Time, however, is not on the Liga champions' side. Without a new move from the player, Barcelona may abandon this pursuit and turn to a less expensive alternative.