Julian Alvarez, the 26-year-old Argentinian striker for Atlético Madrid (contract until 2030), was linked with Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024 when he left Manchester City. But the idea of a move to Paris has resurfaced this summer. However, according to the latest reports, the Argentinian prefers FC Barcelona. The latest development comes from Sport, as the Spanish newspaper claims that his club is closing the door on Barça and prefers a transfer to PSG.
“Atlético Madrid and PSG are indeed on the same page”
Atlético Madrid and PSG are indeed on the same page regarding the core of the operation. Julián wants to leave, and Atlético wouldn’t be opposed to his move to Paris. The only obstacle is the initial transfer fee demanded, which hovers around €150 million. PSG considers this figure exorbitant, although the negotiation process could not only lower it but also involve including a player in the deal to help shape the final figures.
However, this small equation was missing the third piece, and ultimately the most important one: Julián Álvarez. The Argentine international has already indicated through his agent that PSG is not his primary objective, at least not at the beginning of June. His preference is for the Camp Nou. It’s not a flat-out rejection of Luis Enrique’s team, but it does establish a hierarchy of priorities at this time.
Julián Álvarez’s cool demeanor regarding a potential move to PSG suggests the Argentine is firmly committed to wearing the Barcelona colors next season. On paper, it should all be easy, but it’s far from it.
” If Julián wants to leave, PSG is his priority. In the worst-case scenario, he’d go to a club outside of La Liga. Barça is out of the question;”
PSG is keeping the door open, Atlético Madrid would need to soften its financial stance, but above all, Julián would need to embrace the colors of the reigning Champions League winners. Something he hasn’t done so far, either publicly or privately.
As of today, and according to reports from both PSG and Barça, Atlético remains firm in its position. If Julián wants to leave, PSG is his priority. In the worst-case scenario, he’d go to a club outside of La Liga. Barça is out of the question; the door is closed to Laporta.
These claims aren’t impossible to believe, but we must remain extremely cautious. There’s nothing concrete, so nothing is certain. Even Alvarez’s preference for Barça has never been officially confirmed. We can simply assume that Atlético Madrid would prefer to sell their striker outside of La Liga. And certainly not to Barça, a true rival with whom tensions have recently risen.
PSG could be a strong candidate, and the Argentinian seems to fit perfectly into Luis Enrique’s team. However, many other possibilities exist. A complete agreement remains a long way off. We hope for concrete news soon, but it could take a considerable amount of time, especially with the World Cup potentially slowing down many negotiations.
