Simeone could become Barcelona’s unlikely ally in pursuit of Julian Alvarez – report | OneFootball

The signing of Julian Alvarez is far from a straightforward deal for FC Barcelona, largely because Atletico Madrid are determined to make it as difficult as possible.

In recent weeks, tensions between the Catalan club and the Rojiblancos have become increasingly evident.

Alvarez has become the Barça sporting department’s No.1 target to strengthen the attack. They have already made their move, submitting an initial offer worth €100 million. Atletico, meanwhile, have not responded and see no need to negotiate.

Barcelona want Alvarez to take a stance

Atletico’s response has not been positive, but neither has it been negative. Beyond the social media posts, there has been no official reaction. This has not surprised those at Camp Nou, according to SPORT.

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

The next anticipated step is for the player himself to make his position public, something that cannot be ruled out, although the World Cup complicates matters.

Barcelona believe that an open declaration from Alvarez would significantly strengthen their negotiating position and pave the way for a new offer. If that happens, the club is prepared to make an additional financial effort to move closer to Atletico’s demands.

Diego Simeone the key?

And this is where an unexpected yet crucial figure enters the story: Diego Simeone. The Atléeico manager is fully aligned with the club’s official position and understands perfectly why the club would seek to maximise the financial return from any potential sale.

However, there is one important difference between Simeone and many other managers when dealing with situations like this.

Simeone does not want to keep players who want to leave. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

For years, the Argentine coach has followed an unwritten rule without exception: he does not want players in his squad who are not fully committed to the project. For him, complete commitment is non-negotiable.

Therefore, if Alvarez remains determined to leave Atlético, the coach will not be the one standing in the way.

On the contrary, while he is fully aware that he would be losing one of the most influential players in his squad, he believes that a footballer who wants to begin a new chapter should have the opportunity to do so.

For that reason, indirectly but significantly, the Argentine manager could become one of Barcelona and Alvarez’s biggest allies. He will not pressure the club to facilitate the move, but neither will he build barriers to prevent it.