Situation changes around Julian Alvarez as Barcelona set deadline – report | OneFootball

The transfer saga surrounding Atletico Madrid striker and Barcelona top target Julian Alvarez may be resolved much sooner than many expected.

Exactly 15 days have passed since the forward publicly announced his desire to leave Atletico Madrid following one of Argentina’s World Cup matches, declaring that the best thing for everyone was a transfer and adding that he wanted to fulfill a dream.

Since those comments, the situation has evolved rapidly. Barcelona president Joan Laporta addressed the issue shortly after being sworn in for another term, confirming that an offer had been made by the club.

Meanwhile, the Rojiblancos lodged a complaint against Barça to RFEF and FIFA.

Although more developments are expected, those anticipating negotiations dragging on until the final days of the transfer window may be mistaken, reports AS.

Barcelona won’t wait forever

Barcelona want Alvarez but will not wait forever. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

During his first press conference after returning as president on 1 July, Laporta made Barcelona’s position unmistakably clear.

He revealed that the club had submitted an offer for Alvarez, but Atletico Madrid rejected it because they believed they had no replacement for the striker.

He also stressed that Barcelona’s proposal remains on the table, but would not indefinitely.

Flick wants clarity before pre-season

As per the report, one of the main reasons behind Barcelona’s urgency is Hansi Flick.

The German coach is scheduled to begin work with the available members of the squad next week before the team travels to England on 27 July for its pre-season training camp.

Unlike previous summers, when he experienced transfer negotiations stretching until the final moments of the window, the coach is keen to avoid another late scramble.

For that reason, Barcelona have effectively set themselves a timeframe to determine whether negotiations with Atletico can be revived, while simultaneously continuing to explore alternative targets.

Atletico Madrid face a different situation

Although Atletico Madrid continue to publicly insist that Alvarez is not for sale, they also recognise that circumstances have changed significantly.

When Barcelona first submitted their offer, the Colchoneros responded mockingly on social media. However, since the striker publicly declared that he wanted to leave, the tone has shifted completely.

Where will Alvarez play next season? (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Atletico now face what appears to be a difficult dilemma with only two realistic solutions. The first would be to sell Alvarez for the highest possible transfer fee.

The second would involve convincing the Argentine to reverse his position, apologise for his public comments and agree to remain at the club. At present, neither outcome appears straightforward.

Neither solution is straightforward

Selling the striker will not be easy because Barcelona have no intention of matching the €150 million previously offered by Real Madrid and rejected by Atletico.

Although Barcelona have returned to La Liga’s 1:1 financial rule, Laporta has repeatedly insisted that the club will not spend recklessly.

Meanwhile, the alternative appears equally difficult. According to people close to the player, Alvarez’s public statement was a major and carefully considered step. His entourage believe he did not make those comments only to change his mind two weeks later.

Exactly how that resolution will come remains unclear. What does seem increasingly certain, however, is that this transfer saga is unlikely to drag on until 31 August.