Atletico Madrid owners resigned to Julian Alvarez joining Barcelona | OneFootball

Once the 2026 World Cup is over, Barcelona will make their next move to sign Julian Alvarez. Atletico Madrid are determined not to sell to a direct rival, but there is increasing belief that a deal will eventually be done for the Argentine striker.

For months, Alvarez has been Barcelona’s leading target to replace Robert Lewandowski, who officially left last week to join MLS side Chicago Fire. They have alternatives on their radar, but the general consensus is that no one else will be seriously considered until there is an outcome in the Alvarez case, one way or another.

Alvarez’s focus is on the World Cup, although that did not stop him expressing his desire to leave Atleti during a recent mixed zone interview. His comments did not go down well in the Spanish capital, and while the plan has been for no sale to be considered, especially to Barcelona, the club’s majority shareholders Apollo Sports Capital are increasingly prepared to sanction a sale, as per Matteo Moretto (via Marca).

“For the first time, Apollo is beginning to evaluate his possible exit, that we have to listen to offers. If it were up to them, Julián should go abroad – for example, Arsenal. But everyone knows that the first option is Barça and that when the World Cup is over they will make another attempt to sign him. Barça are still in the race.”

Will Barcelona finally get their man?

Barcelona are hoping that the relentless nature of their push to sign Alvarez will eventually lead to Atleti accepting their proposal. There is every chance that an agreement comes later in the summer, although all parties do not expect much movement at all until after the World Cup is over, given that the 26-year-old is only focused on Argentina for now.