Julian Alvarez considers making first move towards Atletico Madrid stay | OneFootball

With less than five weeks to go until the summer transfer window closes, it is looking increasingly unlikely that Barcelona sign Julian Alvarez. Atletico Madrid continue to make it clear that they will not sell to a direct rival, and this has led to the Catalan club considering other options – although their priority is still the Argentina international.

The Alvarez saga has strained tensions between Barcelona and Atleti, but also between the latter and the player himself. His decision to publicly ask for a summer departure did not go down well at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, and while he has plans to make another gesture to ensure he ends up in Catalonia, he’s now been asked to reconsider.

As per Achraf Ben Ayad (via Sport), people close to Alvarez have asked him to apologise to Atleti before he returns to training in the coming weeks. The aim would be to reduce the tensions that have built up over the summer, although it can be perceived as the first step towards him potentially staying in the Spanish capital for the 2026-27 season.

Alvarez has a big decision to make soon

Apologising would make it easier for Alvarez to return to the Atleti dressing room, but it would be a significant step towards accepting that he will not get his dream move to Barcelona this summer. Alternatively, he could double down and make a new gesture in order to give himself the best chance to force through a move to the Spotify Camp Nou, although that would likely lead to a complete breakdown of relations with Los Colchoneros.

Alvarez must decide how desperately he wants to join Barcelona this summer. The Catalans want him to come, although they are clear that it can only be on their terms – which for now, Atleti do not accept.