Atletico Madrid determined to do everything possible to block Julian Alvarez’s move to Barcelona – Romano | OneFootball

Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez has turned into a full-blown soap opera and has entered very uncomfortable territory.

The relationship between the Catalan club and Atletico seems to be completely broken, with the latter threatening legal proceedings against the former.

The Madrid-based club remain adamant that they do not want to sell the Argentine forward to the Catalan club.

According to Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, the position from Atletico is especially strong when it comes to Barça. Romano said:

“Atletico Madrid is particularly adamant about not selling to Barcelona. While they might be more open to dealing with other clubs, they consider the doors to Barcelona closed.”

“Atletico believes Barcelona was “pushing the player” to force this situation, and they are reportedly ready to take the matter to FIFA.”

This is no longer only about whether Alvarez wants the move or whether Barça can prepare a major offer. Atletico’s anger towards Barcelona has become a central part of the story.

Atletico do not want to sell Alvarez to Barcelona. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

This makes the operation so much harder. A player’s desire can sometimes help force a move, but in this scenario, it feels like it is pushing Alvarez further away.

A long and tense saga

Romano also made it clear that this is not expected to be solved quickly. He said:

“No imminent resolution is expected. The situation is viewed as a long, tense saga that will require patience, as it is unlikely to be resolved this week.”

That is important because Barcelona cannot afford to build their entire attacking plan around a deal that may drag deep into the window.

Hansi Flick wants intensity, pressing and a top-level forward, and Alvarez fits that perfectly, but Barça need clarity too.

Atletico reportedly believe Barça helped push the situation, and if they are considering taking the matter to FIFA, then Deco and Laporta must be extremely careful with every step.

Relationship broken, almost non-existent

Alvarez is Barcelona’s priority target. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Romano described the internal situation around Alvarez as deeply damaged. He said:

“There is a deep mutual feeling of betrayal. Julian Alvarez feels betrayed by Atlético Madrid, while Atlético feels betrayed by him.

“The relationship between the player and manager Diego Simeone is described as “really, really difficult”.”

That may make an Atletico exit more realistic, but not necessarily to Barcelona. In fact, it could make Atletico even more determined to choose another destination if they eventually accept a sale.

For Barça, this is the uncomfortable reality. Alvarez may dream of the Camp Nou, and Barcelona may see him as the ideal forward, but Atletico are trying to shut that route completely.

The deal is not impossible, but it seems extremely unlikely, and it remains to be seen how things play out in the coming weeks.