Barcelona handed transfer advantage as Real Madrid decide to walk away from priority signing | OneFootball

For months, Julian Alvarez has been at the centre of one of the most fascinating transfer stories. 

Atletico Madrid have fought well to keep hold of one of their most valuable assets, Barcelona have continued to monitor the situation closely, and Real Madrid unexpectedly attempted to enter the race with a blockbuster offer.

Now, however, that chapter appears to be over because, according to a report from SPORT, Real Madrid have completely withdrawn from the pursuit of Alvarez following the rejection of their €150 million proposal. 

More importantly for Barcelona, the report claims that the player’s camp has no interest in revisiting the possibility of a move to the Santiago Bernabeu either now or in the future.

If true, it leaves Barcelona as the only realistic destination should the Argentine eventually decide to leave Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid’s €150 million gamble has failed

When reports emerged that Real Madrid had launched a €150 million bid for the Argentine, the move shocked Spanish football.

Julian Alvarez was never interested in Real Madrid. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Not only was Atletico Madrid expected to reject the offer, but the transfer itself always appeared extremely complicated given the rivalry between the two clubs.

Now, that brief development has reached its conclusion, as both sides have moved on from the situation and Alvarez’s entourage has completely dismissed any possibility of reopening talks with Real Madrid in the future.

The relationship between the parties is said to have deteriorated significantly during the episode, with the player’s camp reportedly unhappy with how events unfolded.

As a result, Real Madrid are no longer considered part of the equation regarding Alvarez’s future.

Barcelona still active

While Real Madrid have stepped aside, Barcelona continue to believe they have a genuine opportunity.

Barcelona are not losing hope. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

The Catalan club has maintained communication regarding the situation and remain confident about where the player would like to play if he ever leaves Atletico Madrid.

The report claims that Alvarez and those closest to him have reassured Barcelona’s hierarchy that the recent developments involving Real Madrid did not alter their position.

For that reason, Barcelona never viewed Los Blancos as a serious threat despite the enormous bid that was submitted.

Right now, Alvarez has asked for space to concentrate fully on the World Cup before any major decisions regarding his club future are discussed.

That means the next significant developments are unlikely to arrive before July.