FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has taken personal charge of negotiations to sign Julián Álvarez, marking a shift in strategy after strained relations between the clubs’ sporting departments. With Atlético Madrid insisting the striker is not for sale, Barcelona will now pursue talks directly with Atlético’s CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín once the World Cup concludes.
Why is Laporta leading the talks?
Barcelona’s decision to sideline sporting director **Deco** stems from a breakdown in working relations with Atlético’s football executive **Mateu Alemany**, who previously worked at Barcelona. Laporta’s direct approach aims to bypass this friction, though Atlético’s public stance remains unchanged.
What did Laporta say about Julián Álvarez?
Speaking in Dallas after Spain’s World Cup semifinal against France, Laporta confirmed Barcelona’s interest but ruled out endless negotiations. *“We’ve made an offer that isn’t unlimited,”* he said, adding that the club’s bid remains valid but will be announced when the time comes.
How long will Barcelona wait?
Despite optimism, Atlético Madrid has not budged, leaving Barcelona to wait until after the World Cup before intensifying private discussions. The Catalan club hopes a quieter, behind-the-scenes push—led by Laporta—will unlock a deal for one of their top summer targets.
What’s next for Julián Álvarez?
The Argentine forward remains a cornerstone of Atlético’s squad, but Barcelona’s persistence suggests the transfer window could see a dramatic shift. With Laporta now in control, the clock is ticking—though Atlético’s refusal to engage complicates the timeline.
