Barcelona sporting director Deco has travelled to Madrid for discussions with Julián Álvarez’s agent Fernando Hidalgo as the Catalan club attempt to maintain momentum in their pursuit of the Atlético Madrid striker.
The meeting, which took place discreetly in the Spanish capital, was designed to refine the club’s strategy for a transfer that remains their priority this summer, according to Sport. Gerard Romero of Jijantes reported that Deco was accompanied by Joao Amaral during the summit, describing it as a final attempt to keep the operation viable despite significant obstacles.
Broken channels and firm resistance
The primary difficulty facing Barcelona is Atlético Madrid’s absolute refusal to negotiate. The Rojiblancos have made clear that Álvarez is not for sale, and direct communication between the two clubs has effectively collapsed. Club president Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has taken the situation personally, with reports suggesting Atlético’s leadership believe Barcelona and Real Madrid are attempting to humiliate the club.
This institutional friction has forced Barcelona to shift tactics. With formal club-to-club channels closed, the Blaugrana are now working exclusively through the player’s camp to ensure they can react immediately should Atlético’s position soften.
The player’s stance
Central to Barcelona’s persistence is their belief that Álvarez genuinely wishes to join them. The Argentina international submitted a public transfer request six weeks ago and, according to sources close to the player, believes Gil Marín broke a previous promise to facilitate an exit should he desire one.
However, those same sources indicate Álvarez will not breach his contract or mount a public rebellion against manager Diego Simeone. He is expected to maintain professional standards regardless of how the situation develops.
Financial and managerial pressure
Barcelona’s initial offer of €100 million was rejected by Atlético, though Jijantes report the Catalan side are prepared to improve their bid if the Madrid club demonstrate any willingness to engage. Manager Hansi Flick reinforced his desire for attacking reinforcements on Monday, stating he has complete confidence in Deco to complete a deal.
Despite these efforts, those within Barcelona acknowledge the signing remains incredibly complex. Deco’s Madrid summit serves as confirmation that the pursuit continues, but it does not indicate an imminent breakthrough. The operation requires Atlético’s cooperation to progress, and while Barcelona refuse to abandon their ambition, the path to completing what would be the summer’s most difficult transfer remains blocked by Atlético’s intransigence.