Barcelona’s pursuit of Argentina forward Julian Alvarez is facing resistance from both the Atletico Madrid hierarchy and within Barca’s own dressing room, according to reports in Spain.
The 24-year-old, currently with Atletico Madrid, has publicly expressed his desire to leave the club this summer and join what he sees as his “dream” destination at Barcelona. But Atletico are said to be refusing to negotiate – particularly with a direct domestic rival – while several senior figures at the Catalan club are also understood to be unconvinced by a deal that could cost around €150m.
The latest twist comes just days after Alvarez, nicknamed “the Spider”, lined up against a number of his Atletico team-mates – and potential future Barcelona colleagues – in the 2026 World Cup final last Sunday night.
Atletico ‘firm’ on no-sale stance
Despite Alvarez making clear his wish to move on, Atletico are reported to be standing firm. Chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin reiterated on 17 July that the club had no intention of selling the striker, and certainly not to Barcelona.
The Madrid club’s position is described as “categorical”, with officials insisting that Alvarez will not be allowed to join a direct La Liga rival in the current transfer window.
This hardline stance leaves the player in limbo, with the transfer window advancing and no agreement in sight.
Barca squad ‘not united’ behind Alvarez move
Complicating the situation further, Catalan newspaper El Nacional reported on Wednesday that the Barcelona dressing room is divided over the proposed signing.
This claim contradicts a story published by Spanish daily Sport at the end of June, which suggested that Barcelona players had been “pleasantly surprised” by Alvarez’s public appearances and believed he would be an important addition to the team.
El Nacional, however, says there is no consensus at the Camp Nou and names four players who are said to be unenthusiastic about the transfer.
Ferran Torres ‘hurt in his pride’
Forward Ferran Torres is reportedly one of the most opposed. He is said to believe he is fully capable of holding down a starting spot and views the potential arrival of Alvarez as a direct threat to his role.
According to the report, Torres feels “hurt in his pride” and is seriously considering a move to Paris St-Germain this summer if Barcelona proceed with the deal.
Midfielders Gavi and Pedri are also claimed to be cool on the idea. Both are described as being close to Ferran Torres on and off the pitch, and their loyalty to the Spain international is thought to be influencing their stance on the club’s interest in Alvarez.
Raphinha questions need after Gordon and Adeyemi
Brazil winger Raphinha is also listed among the sceptics. El Nacional says he believes that, after signing Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, Barcelona do not need to spend a further €150m on another attacking player.
Raphinha’s concerns reflect a broader question over squad planning and resource allocation in a club that remains under financial pressure and tightly monitored spending rules.
Sporting leadership divided over value
The reported doubts are not limited to the playing staff. The same Catalan outlet claims key figures in the sporting department share misgivings about the price tag attached to Alvarez.
Sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick are both said to consider the fee excessive and would prefer the budget to be allocated to a less expensive signing or spread across several positions.
However, club president Joan Laporta is portrayed as being firmly on the other side of the argument. According to the report, Laporta has made Julian Alvarez his top transfer priority for this summer and is determined to try to bring him to Catalonia, despite the internal reservations and Atletico Madrid’s current refusal to sell.
With Atletico holding their ground and elements of the Barcelona squad and sporting structure unconvinced, the saga around Alvarez’s future looks set to continue deep into the summer window.
