Barcelona Explores Backup Target as Julian Alvarez Transfer Faces Hurdles
Barcelona’s hopes of signing Julian Alvarez this summer look increasingly unlikely as the transfer window progresses. The player seems to show no intent of pushing for a move away from Atletico Madrid, who are not currently open to negotiations regarding his departure.
With both Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski set to leave the club next season, Barcelona finds itself in urgent need of a new striker. Consequently, the club is beginning to explore alternative options.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, one potential backup for the Catalan giants is Luis Suarez from Sporting CP. However, securing the 28-year-old Colombian striker will be challenging as he plays a crucial role in his current team, and no formal contacts have been initiated by Barcelona yet.
Barcelona’s strategy involves waiting for about a week to assess developments concerning Alvarez. Unless there is notable progress, they will likely pivot their focus towards Suarez or other viable alternatives.
Spanish journalist Gerard Romero noted that Hansi Flick has approved pursuing Suarez, indicating that the manager views him as a suitable fit for the team’s style of play. This is significant news, especially considering Flick’s recent rejections of several highly-rated players.
On the Alvarez front, recent reports indicate that he has not abandoned his aspiration to join Barcelona. He continues to communicate with Diego Simeone and the Atletico Madrid management, hoping to persuade them to allow his transfer. Despite his diplomatic stance, the likelihood of success seems low.
As the days go by, if discussions do not yield results, Barcelona may prioritize a move for Suarez, particularly since their manager appears supportive of such a direction. Sporting CP will, however, not easily let the player depart due to his contract lasting until 2030.
In sum, Barcelona is at a critical juncture as they navigate the uncertainty of their striker situation heading into the next season.
With every passing day, it becomes painfully clear that Barcelona’s dream of signing Julian Alvarez will not materialise this summer.
The player is showing no signs of resistance against his former club, nor are Atletico Madrid opening the doors to a negotiation.
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Now that both Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski will not be at the club next season, the club desperately needs a new striker and it is high time they begin looking for a backup plan.
The Plan B
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are considering Sporting CP striker Luis Suarez as a backup option if they do not manage to land Julian Alvarez.
Luis Suarez of Sporting CP on Barça’s radar. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
The 28-year-old Colombian striker is currently considered an important part of the Portuguese side’s plans and will be difficult to sign, and the Blaugrana have not yet begun any contacts.
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Barcelona’s current plan is to wait out another week and judge the progress on the Alvarez front. If there is no progress, they will explore the option of Suarez or any other alternatives.
Spanish journalist Gerard Romero further adds that Hansi Flick has given his ‘ok’ for the club to pursue Suarez, implying that he sees the player as a stylistic fit.
Given how the manager has rejected some highly rated names in recent weeks, it comes as a significant development.
A diplomatic approach from Alvarez
As reported earlier this week, Alvarez has not given up his dream of joining Barcelona and continues to believe there is a chance he can convince his current club.
Alvarez’s diplomatic approach is unlikely to yield anything. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
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The player, however, is opposed to taking the radical route and forcing the move, and believes that a diplomatic approach is the best route forward.
In the coming days, Alvarez will continue to engage in dialogue with Diego Simeone and the Atletico Madrid hierarchy hoping to convince them of his departure. The chance of any progress, however, appears bleak.
Barcelona could, thus, end up prioritising Suarez very soon, especially given that the manager has given his green light.
It will be an operation to follow, for Sporting will not let the player leave for any token fee with his current contract running until 2030.
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