Atletico Madrid have promised to lower Barcelona target Julian Alvarez’s release clause on one condition – report | OneFootball

Julian Alvarez was the most talked-about player in the transfer market this past summer, as his bid to force a move to Barcelona failed sensationally, with the player ending up remaining at Atletico Madrid, against his own will.

The relations between Alvarez and the club remain tense, but the attacker has featured in three matches so far, notably playing the entire ninety minutes against Liverpool.

The key factor that prevented Barcelona from signing him was his hefty €500 million release clause that the Catalans had to meet.

Atleti ready to reduce release clause?

Alvarez’s future at Atleti hangs in the balance. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

However, with Alvarez’s future still under doubt, Atletico Madrid appear willing to reduce his release clause.

According to El Chiringuito, Atletico Madrid president Gil Marin has promised Alvarez that the value of his release clause will be lowered but only on one condition.

The striker has to score at least 20 goals this season. One might think this will not be an issue for the Argentine, given that he scored 20 goals last season in all competitions and 29 goals in his debut campaign for Atleti.

What this does mean, however, is that Atleti only see Alvarez as potentially leaving at the end of the season and not necessarily in the upcoming January transfer window.

Should Barcelona come back for Alvarez?

What’s in store for Alvarez’s future? (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Given the magnanimous start that Barcelona have enjoyed to the season so far, it is perhaps easy to dismiss the need for someone like Julian Alvarez.

Barcelona, after all, are the most prolific team in Europe right now, with the combination of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal scoring goals for fun.

But in hindsight, the Catalans could use the services of someone like Alvarez, who can not only provide an additional edge to the attack but also reduce the burden on Yamal and Raphinha.

Although the two players are performing brilliantly right now, any potential injury could drastically hamper Barcelona’s quality in front of goal.

Therefore, the club should take any market opportunity they can in order to get their hands on Alvarez, either in January or next summer.