Atletico Madrid put pressure on Barcelona target as they set training return date | OneFootball

FC Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez remains locked in a difficult stand-off, with Atletico Madrid now making their position even clearer by setting a date for the striker to return to pre-season training.

According to SPORT, Atletico have instructed Alvarez to report back on August 10, alongside the other players who were involved in the final stages of the World Cup. The move is designed to project complete normality despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.

The report says Barcelona have already presented an offer worth around €100 million for the Argentine, but Atletico consider that proposal insufficient.

Barca, meanwhile, are said to view their offer as final in terms of the main transfer fee, although there could still be room to improve the structure of the deal through variables.

The biggest obstacle remains Atletico’s refusal to negotiate a departure. Alvarez is under contract until 2031 and has a €500 million release clause, giving the Madrid club an extremely strong contractual position.

However, the player’s wishes have added another dimension to the situation. Alvarez has already publicly expressed his desire to leave Atletico and, according to the report, his preferred destination is Barcelona.

The pressure could now fall on Alvarez

Barcelona appear to believe the next significant move must come from the striker himself.

Alvarez feels Atletico had previously promised to consider his departure if a sufficiently strong financial proposal arrived. He could therefore speak more forcefully in the coming days in an attempt to push the two clubs towards negotiations.

For now, however, refusing to return for pre-season is not under consideration. Such a move would be out of character for Alvarez, who is expected to remain professional despite his frustration.

That leaves Barca facing a delicate waiting game. The club have made a huge financial commitment with their reported €100 million proposal, but going significantly higher would be difficult to justify.

August 10 now represents an important marker. Atletico expect Alvarez back at work, while Barcelona will hope the situation has moved considerably before then.

If the Argentine truly wants the move, his pressure may ultimately be the factor capable of breaking the deadlock. But unless Atletico soften their stance, this remains one of the most complicated operations of Barcelona’s summer.