FC Barcelona is clear that they need to strengthen their forward line for the upcoming season. The idea is to find a reliable replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who is approaching the final stretch of his career. In this scenario, Julián Álvarez has become the great desire of the sports management.
The bet on the Argentine forward is due to his ability to adapt to different offensive positions. His youth, mobility, and effectiveness in front of the goal make him the ideal profile for the system Flick wants to implement in the new Barça.
A High-Level Operation
Knowing that Julián Álvarez's release clause is around 100 million euros, Barça has begun to design a complex operation. The goal is to reduce the transfer cost by including several footballers as bargaining chips. It wouldn't just be about offering money, but also sports assets that might interest Atlético.
Clément Lenglet is the first piece that Barça has put forward. The French center-back, loaned this season to Atlético, has left a good impression, and Simeone values his continuity in the team positively.
Besides Lenglet, Barça has also offered other alternatives to lower the signing cost. Andreas Christensen, Fermín López, and Ansu Fati are the other three players who could be included in the exchange. Each of them meets different needs that Atlético might have in their squad.
The inclusion of these names allows Barça to present a much more attractive proposal. With this, they aim to significantly reduce the figure to be disbursed, bringing the operation closer to more manageable parameters for the club's finances.
A Complicated but Possible Exchange
Valuing Lenglet at about 15-20 million euros was the first step to adjust figures. However, if Atlético agrees to add Christensen, Fermín, or Ansu to the operation, Julián Álvarez's transfer could be closed without a significant additional outlay. Everything will depend on the final assessment that the red-and-white team makes of the players offered.
Additionally, Barça doesn't rule out including percentages of future sales or incentive clauses to finally convince the Atlético leaders. The priority is to close the deal before other major European clubs enter the bidding.
Atlético's and Julián Álvarez's Stance
Atlético de Madrid knows that Julián Álvarez is a key piece of their sports project. His performance has been excellent since his arrival, and his connection with the fans has been immediate. However, if Barça's offer is strong enough, the club doesn't rule out sitting down to negotiate.
Meanwhile, Julián Álvarez himself wouldn't mind a change of scenery to Camp Nou. Aware that he could become one of the references of Hansi Flick's new project, the Argentine forward would be open to listening to the Barça proposal.
Barça's intention is to advance negotiations before the official opening of the transfer market. The absolute priority is to secure the arrival of a young forward with international experience and proven scoring ability as soon as possible.
The agreement is not yet closed, but the conversations are ongoing. The fact that Barça is willing to sacrifice four players to achieve it shows how strategic Julián Álvarez is considered for the club's immediate future.