FC Barcelona is planning their squad for the next season and, in red, the forward position is marked. They need to secure a top-level '9' for the future, facilitating Lewandowski's departure when his contract ends in 2026. There are several names on the list, but one of the most prominent is Julián Álvarez from Atlético, being one of the great revelations in Europe this season.
Laporta Learns in Madrid: This Is the Final Price for Julián Álvarez
Despite some recent events, the relations between Barça and Atlético remain very good. Laporta gets along great with their president, Enrique Cerezo, and took advantage of his visit to the Metropolitano to talk about Julián Álvarez. The response was quick and forceful, assuring that the Argentine forward is not for sale, and indicating that the price is set by his release clause.
Thus, Atlético's response was clear: "Julián Álvarez costs 150M". This is the price set by his release clause, and to which the club refers to part with him. In any case, Joan Laporta knows that there will be no possible negotiation for the Argentine forward, having to pay his clause in full.
Julián Álvarez, a Complicated Operation for Barça
Atlético has no intention of selling Julián Álvarez and will not lower the 150M of his clause, not even by exchanging footballers. Although several players from Barça are liked in Madrid, we would be talking about operations that would not be linked to each other. Joan Laporta is willing to negotiate, but he already knows perfectly well that Enrique Cerezo doesn't want to let him go.
At 25 years old, Julián Álvarez has exploded in Europe, showcasing all the potential he had in Manchester. He has 23 goals and 5 assists with Atlético, being key in any present and future aspirations the colchoneros may have. He has a contract there until 2030 and cost them 75 million euros, being the most expensive operation in their history.
Barça remains alert, although Laporta already knows that any type of negotiation for Julián Álvarez will be impossible. Any possibility of the Argentine ending up playing at Camp Nou involves paying his release clause, set at 150M euros. Although he is very much liked, the reality is that it seems to be drifting away and the operation is practically impossible.