Atletico Madrid lay down two non-negotiable conditions for Julian Alvarez’s transfer to Barcelona | OneFootball

Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez remains alive, but the club faces a major hurdle after Atletico Madrid made their stance crystal clear regarding a potential transfer.

According to SPORT, Atletico are prepared to discuss a deal with Barcelona, but only under very specific terms. 

The Madrid side are demanding a fixed fee of €150 million paid in full, while also ruling out any possibility of player exchanges being included in negotiations.

Atletico want €150m upfront

Despite maintaining a public position against selling Alvarez this summer, Atletico Madrid’s position appears to have shifted slightly following the player’s desire to seek a new challenge.

It must be remembered that the striker has already expressed his wish to leave, placing additional pressure on the club ahead of an important period in the transfer market.

Alvarez wants to leave Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Even so, Atletico have no intention of making life easier for Barcelona. The club will only entertain offers worth €150 million in cash, with no room for deferred payments, instalments or creative financial structures.

Barcelona are also understood to have been informed that player swap proposals will not be considered under any circumstances.

That means possible bargaining chips such as Ferran Torres, Marc Casado or any other player that sporting director Deco could look to include have already been ruled out.

Barcelona are in a difficult position

Barcelona’s interest in Alvarez has not cooled despite the significant valuation attached to the player.

On that note, Deco continues to keep communication channels open with the player’s representatives, while intermediaries are also said to be trying to ease tensions between the two clubs.

Barcelona will not have it easy to sign the Atletico Madrid forward. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

At the same time, Barcelona are focused on completing outgoing deals before June 30 in order to improve their financial position and create greater flexibility within their salary structure.

Improving their economic fair play situation remains a key objective if they are to have any realistic chance of funding a move for one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.

Right now, Atletico Madrid’s demands leave a sizeable gap between both clubs, making an agreement appear unlikely in the short term.

However, Alvarez’s willingness to join Barcelona keeps the door slightly open.