Journalist drops major Julian Alvarez Barcelona verdict: ‘Don’t think he will stay at Atletico’

Barcelona transfer news continues to revolve around Argentine forward Julian Alvarez, with Argentine journalist Gaston Edul providing a strong assessment of his future at Atletico Madrid. According to Edul, the tension between Alvarez, his representatives and Atletico’s hierarchy is unlikely to dissipate quickly. More significantly for Barcelona, the journalist believes the striker has made his preferred destination clear - a move to Barcelona.

The situation escalated after Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin publicly criticized people close to Alvarez, to which the player's agent, Fernando Hidalgo, responded through social media. Edul was unsurprised by Hidalgo's reaction, stating that the CEO's attack on Alvarez's inner circle was expected. He explained, "What Hidalgo did doesn’t really surprise me, because Gil Marin has been targeting people close to Julian. As we say in Argentina, he’s put the ball back in their court."

The standoff traces its roots to discussions prior to the World Cup. At the time, Gil Marin and Alvarez met, with the striker expressing a desire to stay with Atletico. His stance was that he would allow the transfer window to develop and assess the situation if a suitable proposal emerged. However, Edul claims Atletico's position shifted when Barcelona entered the picture. The Madrid club refused to negotiate or respond to Barcelona's approaches, despite previously suggesting they would consider a suitable offer.

Barcelona remains the player's clear preference, with Edul noting that Alvarez rejected Arsenal due to personal reasons, including a reluctance to return to England. He emphasized, "I don’t want to be categorical, as there are still a few days left before the transfer window closes and anything can happen, but Julián’s desire is very clear." The journalist went further in assessing Alvarez's mindset, stating that he is "convinced that his decision is to play for Barcelona. He is determined."

Although a failed summer move might not end Barcelona's pursuit of Alvarez, Edul believes the story may continue even if he remains with Atletico into the transfer window. He believes the striker's long-term future is unlikely to remain in the Spanish capital, stating, "I don’t know what will happen now, but even if he stays at Atletico, during the winter transfer window.

Julian at Barcelona remains a very real possibility. I don’t think Julián will stay at Atletico in the long term." For now, Atletico holds the contractual power to block a move, but keeping an unhappy player who desires a new challenge could eventually create a bigger problem. Barcelona, despite Alvarez's preference, cannot simply sign him, creating a tense situation for all parties involved.