Barcelona have not completely ruled out a future move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, with journalist Fabrizio Romano suggesting the club could return to the subject in 2027.
Barcelona sporting director Deco recently said the Argentina international was “in the past” after the club failed to complete a deal for him. However, Romano says that remark reflected Barcelona’s desire to end speculation for now rather than permanently abandon their interest.
“Barcelona believes they have built a top team and don’t want any distractions right now,” Romano said. “When Deco said Julian was in the past, he meant that we had been discussing him all summer. Enoughlet’s focus on this season.”
Romano added that Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Alvarez all need to concentrate on their current campaigns before any potential discussion about the forward is revived.
“This doesn’t mean Barcelona has completely erased Alvarez from their minds,” he said. “Deco simply wants to say: focus on this season for nowfor Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Julian alike. What happens in the future, especially in 2027? We’ll see.”
Deco’s comments are understood by Romano to be a deliberate attempt to prevent transfer speculation from becoming a distraction inside the Barcelona dressing room. The club invested significantly in the summer transfer market and has high expectations for the season, making it keen for its players to avoid being drawn into rumours.
Barcelona are not pursuing Alvarez at present and do not intend to make an attempt to sign him in January. Romano says the club wants to avoid creating further complications during the season.
Alvarez’s current situation at Atletico Madrid could also become relevant if it continues. He has not started any of the eight league matches in which he has played for the club, although he did begin the Champions League fixture against Liverpool. A prolonged lack of league starts could affect his market value.
Deco said Barcelona had been unable to complete a deal for Alvarez when it explored the possibility, but had found an alternative in Gabriel.
“Julian was not possible at that time,” Deco said. “We looked for solutions, and Gabriel was the perfect choice for us. But Julian is in the past nowwe must look forward.”
That remains Barcelona’s official position, although Romano believes the possibility of renewed interest could be reassessed in the future.
