Barcelona have tabled a bid for Atletico Madrid striker Julián Álvarez, club president Joan Laporta confirmed, as the Catalan giants look to reshape their attack after Robert Lewandowski’s move.
Key takeaways
- Joan Laporta says Barcelona have made a transfer offer for Atletico’s striker Julián Álvarez.
- Barça are targeting Álvarez to fill the gap left by Robert Lewandowski after the forward joined Chicago Fire.
- Laporta stated that Deco submitted the proposal and that Atletico indicated they were not initially set to sell.
- Barcelona insist their relationship with Atletico remains strong despite media claims of an intended FIFA complaint.
- Álvarez previously said it would be “best for everyone” if he were allowed to leave Atletico.
- Atletico turned down Real Madrid’s 150 million euro offer for Álvarez in June, and he arrived from Manchester City in 2024.
Barça’s bid for Álvarez and the Lewandowski replacement plan
Barcelona’s pursuit of Álvarez has intensified in the wake of Lewandowski’s departure to the MLS. Laporta said the club has put forward an offer for the Argentina international as Barça seek a replacement for their outgoing striker.
Laporta also noted that Álvarez has been on the club’s radar for months. After being sworn in as president following his re-election in March, he said Barcelona have now made the move for the 26-year-old, adding that the player has long expressed a desire to make the switch since his time at Manchester City.
What Laporta said about Atletico’s stance
Addressing the negotiations, Laporta explained that sporting director Deco had made an offer for a specific sum. He said Atletico told Barcelona in principle that they were not planning to sell, citing the absence of an alternative, while also stressing that Barça’s proposal is a firm one.
Laporta added that Barcelona will keep the offer active until they assess whether there is a more suitable course of action. He also maintained that relations between the two clubs remain good at an institutional level, despite reports claiming Atletico’s leadership would take the matter to FIFA over Barça’s interest in Álvarez.
Álvarez’s comments and the prior Real Madrid offer
Laporta pointed to the player’s own position, referencing comments made last week by Álvarez while he was with Argentina at the World Cup. The forward said it would be “best for everyone” if he could leave Atletico.
Atletico’s negotiating posture has also been reflected in their recent dealings. In June, they rejected a proposal worth 150 million euros (171 million dollars) from Real Madrid for Álvarez.
Álvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 on a deal reported to be worth up to 85 million euros (97 million dollars), setting the stage for Barcelona’s latest attempt to secure the striker’s signature.
