Julian Alvarez may have clause that allows Barcelona signing for under €150m | OneFootball

Barcelona’s pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez has been something of a fruitless one, and one of the factors that has made it difficult to see the deal occurring is his €500m release clause. Los Colchoneros are in firm control of his future as a result, with his contract running until 2030, have little reason to negotiate a lower fee.

Atletico have been adamant that not only are they not looking to sell Alvarez, but that they will not sell him to Barcelona. A number of reports have put the point at which Los Colchoneros will consider talks at around €150m, but even then, with relations between themselves and Barcelona broken due to their pursuit of Alvarez, they are desperate to avoid a sale to the Blaugrana. Similarly, they have laughed off the idea that he could move to Real Madrid.

Julian Alvarez may have reduced release clause

Barcelona’s obstinance has been somewhat confusing for many observers, after a €100m bid was turned down by Atletico two weeks ago. Yet a report from GMS perhaps explains their stance better. As claimed by Ben Jacobs, Alvarez’s contract includes a clause for specific clubs in the Champions League, including Barcelona, that would allow the Argentina international to leave for less than €150m. This is yet to be corroborated by other outlets thus far.

Barcelona ‘will not get into an auction’

Earlier on Tuesday, it was reported by Marca that Barcelona had no intention of getting into a bidding war for Alvarez this summer either. While their €100m offer for Alvarez was turned down by Atletico, it is noted that Barcelona remain confident that Atletico will end up coming to the negotiating table for a fee not too far from that figure. ‘The information they possess is that the Atletico hierarchy would facilitate an exit if Alvarez declares a desire to leave,’ continues the report.

With the 2026 World Cup set to get underway this week, and Alvarez no doubt keen to avoid distractions, the transfer saga looks set to drag on into the summer. Barcelona’s other targets have shown little sign of becoming available either.