Barcelona unconcerned about potential World Cup price hike for Julián Álvarez

With the signing of Anthony Gordon completed, Barcelona’s front office continues to focus on planning for next season.

It is no secret that the Catalan club is searching for a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski, and Julián Álvarez remains its top target. The Atlético Madrid striker is keen on a move to Barcelona, but the Madrid club has so far shown little willingness to negotiate for the Argentina international.

Following Atlético’s recent social media jabs aimed at Barcelona, it seems unlikely the two clubs will sit down for talks anytime soon. Only time will tell whether those exchanges have completely closed the door on a potential transfer or whether negotiations may simply have to wait.

What is certain is that Barcelona sporting director Deco has already met with Álvarez’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, and is fully aware of both the player’s desire to move to Spotify Camp Nou and the tough demands Atlético would make in any potential deal.

According to some reports, Barcelona has already submitted an opening offer worth $100 million. Atlético, however, has strongly denied that claim.

“Another lie,” was the club’s blunt response.

Barcelona staying patient

Inside Barcelona, there is little sense of urgency regarding the pursuit of Álvarez.

The arrival of Gordon has eased the pressure considerably, as the England international is capable of playing both on the left wing and through the middle.

Club officials are also unconcerned about the possibility of the deal dragging on beyond the start of the World Cup. They do not believe a strong tournament would dramatically alter Álvarez’s market value or significantly change the parameters of a future transfer.

The Argentine’s valuation is already extremely high, and Barcelona believes that if negotiations eventually become possible, the outcome will depend far more on the player’s wishes and Atlético’s stance than on a few additional million dollars.

Some voices inside the club have also pointed out that any World Cup-driven increase in player values could affect Atlético as well.

If the Madrid side ultimately decides to sell Álvarez, it would likely need to enter the market for a high-level replacement, potentially paying inflated post-World Cup prices itself.

The player’s desire to move to Barcelona could be decisive

Barcelona remains hopeful that Atlético’s resistance, while significant, will soften over time.

The belief within the Catalan club is that no team wants to keep a player whose mind is already set on a move elsewhere.

Much could depend on how strongly Álvarez communicates his desire to wear the Blaugrana shirt and how far he is willing to push for the transfer.

Of course, Barcelona will also need to put a substantial amount of money on the negotiating table if it hopes to convince Atlético Madrid to part with one of its biggest stars.

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