Barça transfer flops, Álvarez now mulls agent switch

Julian Álvarez wanted to move to FC Barcelona in the summer, but Atlético Madrid blocked the transfer after Barcelona offered around €100 million, while Atlético insisted on a release clause of €500 million. The Argentinian striker had previously rejected an early contract extension with a salary increase, which had heightened tensions in the spring.

Barcelona pursued Álvarez deliberately because the striker had explicitly expressed a desire to move in the summer and the Argentinian talent was considered a key reinforcement for the attacking midfield. Supposedly, an offer of €150 million was to be granted to him by 20 June, but it never materialised.

In the spring, Álvarez had already rejected an early contract extension with a salary increase, which led to tensions with Atlético. The discussion centred on the release clause, which the club said was €500 million.

Financial framework

Barcelona is said to have later offered around €100 million, while Atlético referred to the €500 million clause. Shortly before the transfer window closed, an Atlético official stated that a sale to Barça was ruled out, not for financial reasons but because of the club’s stance towards a direct move to a rival.

The start of the season was difficult for Álvarez: initially he missed games due to illness, upon his return he was booed by sections of his own fans and subsequently further hampered by muscular problems.

According to Onda Cero, Álvarez is increasingly considering leaving his advisor Fernando Hidalgo and moving to an agency linked to former professional Javier Pastore.