Transfer news: Barca go on the attack for Julian Alvarez, Deco meets his agent
Barca are wasting no time. According to Mundo Deportivo, Deco met yesterday afternoon with Fernando Hidalgo, the agent of Julian Alvarez, in a hotel in Barcelona. It was the club’s first official move to try to sign the Atletico Madrid striker, 26, who sits at the top of the Catalan club’s wish list for this summer window. Barca’s sporting department wants the deal wrapped up before the World Cup kicks off on June 17.
The meeting ran on until 8pm. Alongside Deco and Fernando Hidalgo, a third man was at the table: Juanma Lopez, a well-known agent whose involvement could prove decisive. A former Atletico Madrid player for a decade, he has strong links with the Colchoneros and also represents players such as Joan Garcia and Dani Olmo. His presence in these talks is no accident: Barca hope his contacts can help get a deal over the line in what looks set to be a tricky negotiation.
As for Julian Alvarez, the stance is mixed. The Argentine has made it clear through his camp that he is happy at Atletico Madrid. But if the Barca option becomes serious, he would give it priority. Neither Barca nor the Colchoneros want this to turn into an endless summer soap opera.
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100 million euros and a race against the clock before the World Cup
The deal is valued at around 100 million euros by the Catalan club, a figure that could rise with add-ons. It is a major outlay, but Barca appear ready to pay it for a striker who can make a difference at the highest level in Europe. Deco wants speed and is aiming to seal two major signings before the World Cup starts.
Julian Alvarez means more to Barca than just another attacking option. After Robert Lewandowski’s departure, the club want a proper No. 9 to lead the line for years to come. The Argentine, a 2022 World Cup winner and Copa America 2024 champion with Argentina, ticks every box. His versatility, his link-up play and his eye for goal make him an ideal fit for Hansi Flick’s system.
The next round of talks will unfold over the coming days. Barca have made the first move, Juanma Lopez has been brought into the mix, and Julian Alvarez knows the interest from Barcelona is real and serious. Now they have to persuade Atletico to let go of one of their most valuable players, which is almost certainly the biggest hurdle in the whole thing.
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