Barcelona set World Cup deadline to discover Atletico Madrid’s intentions regarding Julian Alvarez | OneFootball

Barcelona have reportedly established a clear timeline in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez, with the club unwilling to allow negotiations with Atletico Madrid to drag on indefinitely.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have identified the end of the World Cup as the key moment to determine whether a Julian Alvarez transfer remains possible this summer. 

The Catalans are prepared to push ahead if Atletico Madrid open the door to negotiations, but they are equally aware that they cannot afford to spend the entire transfer window waiting for a breakthrough.

The Julian Alvarez Barcelona transfer story has become one of the club’s biggest priorities in the market, especially as the sporting department looks to strengthen the number nine position ahead of the new campaign.

Barcelona set World Cup deadline in Alvarez pursuit

As per the outlet, Barcelona have decided to wait until the end of Julian Alvarez’s World Cup involvement before seeking a definitive answer from Atletico Madrid.

If Atletico Madrid agree to negotiate, Barcelona are expected to intensify their efforts and explore how far they can go financially to complete the Julian Alvarez transfer.

Alvarez wants to leave Atletico Madrid. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

However, if Atletico continue to reject any possibility of talks, which has been the case so far, Barcelona are prepared to reassess their plans.

The Blaugrana hierarchy do not want uncertainty surrounding such an important position to continue for months, particularly given the significance of finding a long-term solution in attack.

Notably, Alvarez has already communicated his desire to leave Atletico Madrid this summer, with reports indicating that the Argentine striker dreams of playing for Barcelona. 

Club president Joan Laporta later acknowledged that contacts have already taken place between the parties involved, further fuelling speculation surrounding a potential move.

Atletico Madrid hold the key

Despite the player’s position, Atletico Madrid remain in control of the situation.

The Madrid club are understandably reluctant to strengthen one of their direct rivals in La Liga, making any potential agreement extremely complicated.

Barcelona are not giving up on Julian Alvarez. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Barcelona, however, remain hopeful that Atletico Madrid could eventually soften their position once Alvarez completes his World Cup campaign.

Should Atletico decide to sit down at the negotiating table, Barcelona would immediately begin discussions over the financial conditions required to secure the Argentine international’s signature.

If Atletico Madrid maintain their refusal to negotiate, the situation could evolve in two directions. 

Firstly, Alvarez himself may decide to apply additional pressure in an attempt to facilitate a move, or Barcelona may reluctantly shift their focus towards alternative targets.

The club’s leadership are conscious that the transfer market moves quickly, and waiting endlessly for a response could compromise other opportunities.