Barcelona have been closely concerned within the pursuit of Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid as their new quantity 9 this summer time.
The Catalans misplaced Robert Lewandowski on the finish of final season and noticed Ferran Torres go away this summer time, leaving them and not using a pure striker possibility within the squad.
Atletico Madrid have been stubborn of their stance that the 26-year-old striker just isn’t on the market, particularly to Barcelona.
His troublesome scenario at Atletico has now taken one other flip, with the striker receiving a hostile reception from his personal supporters.
The Argentine was included in Atletico’s matchday squad in opposition to Villarreal, marking his first squad involvement of the brand new season after a summer time dominated by uncertainty over his future.
Metropolitano makes its emotions clear
Nevertheless, Alvarez’s return did little to calm the strain surrounding him.
The Atletico supporters on the Metropolitano greeted the 26-year-old with loud boos, making their emotions clear after weeks through which his need to go away Madrid has develop into one of many main tales of the switch window.
For Barcelona, the reception will inevitably be considered with curiosity.
Atletico need Alvarez to stay an integral a part of their mission, however restoring full normality turns into a lot more durable when a piece of the fanbase is overtly expressing its frustration with the participant.
A scenario Barcelona will watch carefully
The boos don’t essentially carry Alvarez any nearer to Barcelona. Atletico nonetheless management the scenario contractually, and the monetary calls for concerned in any potential switch stay a serious impediment.
Nevertheless, they do underline the issue dealing with the Madrid membership.

Preserving an sad star is one factor. Preserving him whereas anticipating him to carry out at his highest stage beneath intense scrutiny from his personal supporters is one other fully.
There’s a cause high golf equipment on the earth don’t hold gamers who’re sad, because it usually turns counterproductive for the membership itself.
For some cause, nevertheless, Atletico Madrid proceed to be cussed of their stance to maintain an sad participant on the membership.
All of this adjustments nothing for Barcelona. Until Atletico open the door to barter for Alvarez, it’s extremely unlikely that the Catalans can do something about their pursuit.
Hansi Flick very clearly desires the Argentine to be his new quantity 9 forward of the brand new season, and it stays to be seen whether or not the workforce has an opportunity of signing Alvarez on this remaining week.