Headline: Barcelona Sets Sights on Julian Alvarez as Transfer Deadline Approaches
Barcelona enters the final week of the transfer window with a clear directive from its sporting leadership: the club is focused on signing Julian Alvarez and shows little inclination to consider other options. This pivotal message emerged from a recent meeting attended by key figures, including Joan Laporta, Deco, Hansi Flick, Bojan, and Alejandro Echevarría at the Ciutat Esportiva, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
As the clock ticks down on the transfer window, Barcelona is strategizing to finalize its remaining transfers, particularly focusing on finding a new No. 9. The club remains insistent on securing Alvarez and is willing to wait for the right opportunity rather than rush for alternatives.
Notably, Alvarez has not been categorized as merely one option among many; both Flick and Deco have specifically requested the Argentine forward, which underscores Barcelona’s commitment to persist in exploring every avenue despite Atletico Madrid’s unwillingness to sell.
Barcelona has already made a €100 million bid for Alvarez, submitted in late June, but Atletico Madrid has firmly rejected the offer. This resistance has led Barcelona to reconsider its options, yet the general consensus is the belief that pursuing a substitute striker might not be the right course of action. If Alvarez is not signed before the transfer deadline, the club may choose to revisit the situation in January instead of hastily signing another player.
In addition to Alvarez’s situation, Barcelona is also examining potential player exits. Marc Casado and Hector Font have accepted that they will leave the club. Both players have offers and are weighing their future destinations. These departures could provide clarity for Barcelona’s plans in the closing days of the transfer market.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Balde’s future remains uncertain. His omission from the squad for the recent match against Elche has put him under scrutiny. However, Barcelona is not forcing Balde out, as he wishes to continue fighting for his place in the team. The club will only consider his departure if he personally decides to leave and an acceptable proposal is made.
Balde’s decision could significantly influence Barcelona’s defensive strategies. Currently, the pursuit of a left-sided centre-back is on hold as the club awaits Balde’s choice. If he departs, Barcelona might look towards acquiring Castello Lukeva from RB Leipzig, a defender who has garnered interest from Flick.
Barcelona are heading into the final week of the transfer window with a clear message emerging from the club’s sporting leadership: Julian Alvarez remains the target, and there is little interest in settling for anyone else.
That is perhaps the biggest takeaway from the latest meeting involving Joan Laporta, Deco, Hansi Flick, Bojan and Alejandro Echevarría at the Ciutat Esportiva, reports Mundo Deportivo.
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With time running out, Barcelona are assessing how to complete their remaining business, but the search for a new No. 9 has become increasingly straightforward.
The club want Alvarez, and if the move cannot be completed, Barcelona are prepared to wait.
Barcelona willing to wait for Alvarez
Notably, Alvarez is not being treated as one option among many.
Rather, the Argentine forward is the specific striker requested by both Flick and Deco, explaining why Barcelona remain committed to exploring every possible avenue despite Atletico Madrid’s firm stance.
Barcelona will either sign Julian Alvarez or no one. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
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Barcelona have already submitted a €100 million bid, made at the end of June, but Atletico have refused to entertain a sale.
That resistance has forced the Catalan club to consider alternatives. Yet, the conclusion reached within Barcelona is that a Plan B would not necessarily represent the right solution.
If Alvarez does not arrive before the deadline, the club may choose to revisit the operation in January instead of rushing into another signing.
Transfer meeting also focused on exits
Apart from Alvarez, Barcelona are also working on several departures, with Marc Casado and Hector Font having accepted that they will leave the club.
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Both players have offers on the table and are currently considering their respective destinations.
Those exits could help clarify Barcelona’s plans for the rest of the squad during the final days of the transfer market, but not every situation is being driven by the club.
Alejandro Balde’s future is in doubt. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
On that note, Alejandro Balde remains in control of his own future.
Balde holds the key to next defensive move
Balde’s omission from the squad against Elche has inevitably placed his future under the spotlight. Yet Barcelona are not planning to force the left-back out.
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The player currently wants to stay and fight for his place. Hence, Barcelona will only consider his departure if Balde decides he wants to leave and an acceptable offer is presented.
That decision could have a direct impact on the club’s defensive plans.
As reported before, Barcelona have placed their pursuit of a left-sided centre-back on hold while waiting to see what Balde decides.
If he leaves, the club could then consider a move for Castello Lukeva of RB Leipzig, a defender admired by Flick.
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