Barcelona have approached representatives of Villarreal striker Georges Mikautadze as the Catalan club search for alternatives to Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez, who remains blocked from leaving the Metropolitano.
The Georgian international has reportedly given his approval to a potential switch to Camp Nou, although negotiations remain at a preliminary stage. Barcelona’s sporting director Deco is leading the recruitment drive after the club’s priority target became entangled in a transfer stand-off.
Álvarez Remains Stuck at Atlético
Álvarez returned to training with Atlético this week and has informed manager Diego Simeone that he still wishes to join Barcelona. The Argentine held discussions with the coach ahead of Wednesday’s session to reiterate his desire for a move to the reigning La Liga champions.
However, Atlético have shown no willingness to soften their stance on a sale, effectively blocking the transfer despite the player’s intentions. Barcelona are therefore unwilling to wait indefinitely and have widened their search to include Mikautadze, who finished last season with 15 goals and six assists across all competitions.
Villarreal Set Steep Asking Price
The Yellow Submarine value Mikautadze at between €60 million and €65 million. That figure represents a significant markup on the €31 million plus €5 million in variables that the club paid Olympique Lyonnais to sign the forward in September 2025, handing him a six-year contract running until June 2031.
Barcelona view that valuation as more manageable than the outlay required to prise Álvarez from their domestic rivals, though it would still demand a considerable financial effort. Mikautadze’s versatility appeals to the recruitment staff; Marcelino utilised him as a central striker and in wider attacking positions as Villarreal secured third place and Champions League qualification.
Alternative Avenues Explored
Mikautadze is not the only contingency under consideration. Deco recently met in Madrid with Alejandro Camaño, the agent of Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez, to gauge the Argentine’s availability should the Álvarez pursuit fail completely.
That meeting is understood to be exploratory rather than representing active negotiations. It underlines the fluid nature of Barcelona’s centre-forward strategy as they balance their continued preference for Álvarez against the reality of Atlético’s resistance and the need to secure reinforcements before the window closes.