Julian Alvarez believes a direct conversation with Atletico de Madrid manager Diego Simeone could be the key to unlocking his proposed move to Barcelona.
The Argentina international, 26, is understood to feel that he is the only person capable of shifting Atletico’s position, with the Spanish club currently refusing to sell him to a direct domestic and European rival.
Alvarez wants the issue resolved amicably. He plans to explain to Simeone why he wants to leave Madrid and move to Barcelona, while making clear that he is “unhappy” at Atletico and wants to “be happy playing for Barcelona”.
Barcelona remain determined to sign Alvarez either during this summer’s transfer window or, if a deal cannot be completed now, in the next winter window.
Atletico, however, are standing firm over the striker and do not want to strengthen a club they could face in both La Liga and the Champions League. Sources at Barcelona have described the Madrid side’s stance as “completely closed”, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Those sources told the newspaper that Barcelona have limited options while Atletico refuse to negotiate. “Julian alone, through dialogue, can try to persuade them to open up,” they said.
The task will be complicated by the position of Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin, who remains opposed to letting the forward leave.
People close to Alvarez believe that speaking directly to Simeone is the most suitable course of action. The player is due to return to Atletico’s training camp on Monday, 10 August, or possibly before then, and intends to repeat the message he delivered during the recent World Cup: “the transfer is the best option for everyone.. I want to fulfil my dream”.
Alvarez made that position public on 23 June after Argentina’s match against Austria, saying: “I spoke with the club officials, and I think the transfer is the best option for everyone. I want to fulfil my dream”.
It was an unusual public intervention from a player contracted to Atletico until 2030 and caused widespread reaction. The comments were not well received by the club’s officials.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Alvarez feels comfortable with the position he has taken. Atletico allegedly promised him in January that it would help if he later asked to leave, but the player believes the club failed to honour that commitment when the time came. He also considers his public comments to have reflected only what he had already told the board privately.
His current plan is to tell Simeone face to face that he cannot see himself continuing with Atletico and wants to depart. The Argentine manager would then have to choose whether to ignore his player’s wishes and keep him against his will, or refer the matter to the club’s hierarchy in an attempt to resolve the dispute.
Barcelona sporting director Deco was recently in Madrid amid reports of a possible meeting with Alvarez’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, with whom he has a close relationship. Although the details of any meeting have been kept private, Barcelona’s activity indicates that their interest is serious.
If Alvarez succeeds in persuading Simeone, the path to a solution could be straightforward, provided Atletico abandon their refusal to sell to Barcelona. As long as the Catalan club remains involved, offers from Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal are not expected to appeal to the player, who has identified Camp Nou as his only preferred destination.
