FC Barcelona have not given up. Not yet.
The Catalan club reportedly is aware that signing Julián Alvarez from Atlético Madrid will be very difficult. But they are said to have faith that the player’s own will can make a difference.
The Argentine is expected to report back for Atlético preseason on August 10th. The Blaugrana are said to be watching like a hawk for movement on that front. They reportedly expect Alvarez will reiterate his desire to leave.
Still, even if Alvarez does make a move, Atlético can still say no. What’s worse, the impasse becomes a risk for all parties the longer it goes on. Barcelona need to be able to sign a plan B if the deal falls through. The Madrid club need to find a replacement if he leaves. Alvarez himself will either stay in an awkward situation, or join preseason late for Barça. And all signs point to no quick resolution — if any comes at all.
For the Catalans, the reason they are still in pursuit is twofold. One, Alvarez is their number one choice and both he and the club have worked on the signing too long to just abandon it when the going gets tough. Two, other alternatives are either unavailable or prohibitively expensive.
Even strikers from the “second rung” below the elite are going for a fortune. That opens up the possibility that Barcelona could even refuse to sign anyone if the Alvarez deal isn’t completed. However, that possibility evaporates if Ferran Torres is sold.
That would mean Barcelona have neither of their top two strikers from last season (with Robert Lewandowski having already left for Chicago Fire). In that case, they will be forced to sign at least one striker.
