Barcelona to wait before proceeding to sign Julian Alvarez – report
Barcelona are still targeting the signing of Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, but the Blaugrana have decided to postpone the move until after the World Cup.
Barcelona continue to regard Julian Alvarez as their main target in their upcoming transfer window this summer. But according to a report by Luis F Rojo of MARCA, the leadership of the Catalan club has decided to wait for the end of the FIFA World Cup before taking more concrete action regarding the transfer.
The current talks are difficult because Atletico Madrid remain firm in their stance that they will not sell Alvarez to a rival club in La Liga. Alvarez recently expressed his view that it would be good to move him, but Atletico Madrid still prefer not to strengthen their direct rivals.
Barcelona stuck to its strategy and will not act while the World Cup 2026 is currently in the knockout stage. The club stressed that it is not the right time to deepen the negotiations, especially since the national team of Argentina is focused on the tournament. Therefore, the Blaugrana will wait for the end of Argentina's campaign or the entire World Cup before taking action on the imminent transfer to Alvarez.
<figure style="margin:2rem 0;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;background:#f9f9f9"><img src="https://s.yimg.com/lo/mysterio/api/079557cd49d24aa85d364012c9f966e333e29aebb8d2d6651d21d9b7ea44f7af/lightyear_networkapi/resizefill_w1200;quality_80;format_webp/https:%2F%2Fmedia.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Fbarca_universal_articles_732%2F53e0605f86cc60b14c947d62391c37bc" alt="Image" style="width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain" loading="lazy" /></figure>After the World Cup, Barcelona plans to ask Atletico Madrid for a clear answer about Alvarez. Every day counts as pre-season training for Hansi Flick's team begins on July 13th. Barcelona wants to have clarity on the lineup before preparing for the new season.
Meanwhile, Alvarez is expected to talk to Atletico Madrid first to find out if the club will respect what they discussed to facilitate his departure. Atletico stated that they could sell the player but not to Barcelona. Even the complaint against Barcelona has been filed by Atletico Madrid with FIFA and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Despite everything, Alvarez still remains at the top of Barcelona's list. However, it is expected that the final steps for his transfer will be made only after the World Cup.
