Barcelona Seal A Deal With Newcastle Winger And Has Now Set To Summit Official Bid For Julian Alvarez After Atletico Exit Confirmed
In an effort to bolster their attack ahead of the 2026–2027 campaign, Barcelona is getting ready to make their first formal offer for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
After direct discussions between sporting director Deco and Alvarez’s representatives, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Barcelona is putting together a formal bid for the Argentina international “without any players included.” Romano added that the striker rejected a contract extension “months ago” and told Atletico Madrid he wanted to leave.
After making progress in acquiring Anthony Gordon, a winger for Newcastle United, Barcelona is pursuing an aggressive summer transfer strategy. Alvarez is thought to be the club’s top center-forward target, and club officials want to finalize significant agreements before the 2026 FIFA World Cup starts.
According to the information given, Atletico Madrid is looking for a fee of almost €150 million and does not want to lose the 26-year-old to a direct La Liga rival. Barcelona, on the other hand, is thought to have set an internal cap for the operation of about €100 million.
Following a crucial meeting between Deco, Alvarez’s agent Fernando Hidalgo, and middleman Juanma Lopez, Romano stated that Barcelona is currently working on an official opening proposal.
Romano wrote, “Barcelona is preparing the first official bid for Julián Álvarez, to be sent soon—and without any players included.”
After turning down a new contract months ago, Julián told Atléti he wanted to leave,” Romano continued. “Barça will send a bid following a direct meeting with the agent and intermediaries.”
According to the Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, individuals close to Atletico Madrid attended the meeting, which was held in Barcelona. It is anticipated that Juanma López, a former Atletico player with close ties to the team, will participate in talks between the two parties.
Alvarez told his representatives that while he is content in Madrid, if a deal can be reached, he would prefer to relocate to Camp Nou, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Barcelona anticipates increased interest in Alvarez once the World Cup gets underway, so they want clarity on the deal before the tournament starts.
Starting with Argentina’s opening game against Algeria on June 17, the Argentine forward is anticipated to play a significant part for Lionel Scaloni’s national team throughout the competition.
Given the disparity in the two teams’ valuations, Barcelona’s pursuit of Alvarez could turn into one of the summer’s biggest transfer stories.
According to the information given, Barcelona hopes to finalize a deal closer to €100 million with additional bonuses and variables, while Atletico Madrid is demanding about €150 million for the striker.
Alvarez is regarded as Barcelona’s top attacking target as the team seeks to bolster its front line in preparation for the upcoming campaign.
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid do not want negotiations to turn into a protracted public drama during the transfer window, according to Mundo Deportivo. Once formal discussions start, it is anticipated that they will proceed swiftly.
After leaving Manchester City, Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid, where he is now a vital attacking player for Diego Simeone. The player’s wish to consider moving to Barcelona, though, might put more pressure on Atletico’s management during talks.
The club’s larger attempt to restructure the team under Deco in preparation for another La Liga and UEFA Champions League season is also reflected in Barcelona’s pursuit of Alvarez.
Alvarez would bring another significant attacking option to the team alongside Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and the club already seems to be close to signing Anthony Gordon.
As talks with Atletico Madrid advance to the next phase, Barcelona is currently preparing their first formal proposal.
