Julián Álvarez’s Final Chance to Make the Move to Barcelona

This week will be crucial in determining whether the Argentine striker joins Barcelona or stays at Atlético de Madrid.

The wait is entering its decisive stage. The week in which Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona make their LaLiga 2026-27 debuts could also determine the future of Julián Álvarez. The Argentine striker remains Barcelona’s top target to strengthen their attack, but Atlético Madrid continue to stand firm on their desire to keep him.

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Is Everything in Julián Álvarez’s Hands?

Barcelona have made progress on several important deals during the transfer window, but they still need to resolve their biggest remaining issue: signing a center forward. Julián Álvarez remains their priority, although the deal largely depends on whether the player himself can find a way to break the deadlock with Atlético Madrid.

A meeting between Álvarez and Miguel Ángel Gil Marín is expected in the coming days. The Argentine wants to find out whether the Rojiblancos are willing to negotiate his departure and, according to reports of Marca and Dairio AS in Spain, intends to remind the club executive of a commitment he allegedly made to him. Meanwhile, Diego Simeone continues to count on the forward as part of his plans for the season.

LaLiga Debut Increases the Pressure

The calendar is working against Barcelona. Atlético Madrid and Barcelona begin their LaLiga 2026-27 campaigns this week, and both clubs need to have their squads settled as soon as possible. Barcelona cannot keep the Julián Álvarez situation open indefinitely and, if there is no progress, Deco will have to turn his attention to other options.

The situation is also significant for Atlético Madrid, who want to avoid allowing the saga to drag into the opening weeks of the season. That is why the next few days could be decisive: a positive signal from the player could open the door to negotiations, while a definitive refusal would force Barça to move on to another target.

Lautaro, Luis Suárez and Gyökeres: Barcelona’s Plan B

If Julián Álvarez ultimately does not join Barcelona, several other names are already being considered. Luis Suárez, Lautaro Martínez and Viktor Gyökeres have all been linked with the Catalan side as potential alternatives. Mikel Oyarzabal has also emerged as another option to strengthen Barcelona’s attacking ranks.

Luis Suárez would be an especially intriguing option because of his profile as a traditional center forward. According to Cadena SER, the Colombian is admired by Barcelona, with his release clause reportedly set at around $93 million, although the final cost of a potential deal could be lower.

As a result, the week of the LaLiga debut could also become the week of the decision. Barcelona must determine whether to wait for one final move from Julián Álvarez or close the chapter for good and activate their Plan B.