Julian Alvarez enjoyed a standout campaign in LaLiga with Atletico de Madrid, but on Thursday, May 28, 2026, the Spanish club firmly rejected Barcelona’s opening bid for the Argentine forward, who is one of the Catalan side’s top targets for the 2026-27 season as a potential replacement for Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.

As surprising as it may seem, the situation puts a pause on one of the player’s personal dreams: wearing the Barça shirt. Álvarez, who has never hidden his admiration for the club, would reportedly not be opposed to a move to Camp Nou, as he has supported Barcelona since childhood.

A CHILDHOOD LOVE FOR BARCELONA

“La Araña,” as he is known, once revealed in a video circulating on social media that he has been a fan of both River Plate and Barcelona since he was a child — the latter largely influenced by his admiration for Lionel Messi, his football idol.

During his childhood, Messi was at the peak of his powers at Barcelona, surrounded by legends such as Ronaldinho, Pep Guardiola, Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Neymar, and Luis Suárez.

Julián’s former youth coach Hugo Varas confirmed the story in an interview with Argentine radio station Radio Villa Trinidad 97.9 in Santa Fe, while also criticizing Atlético Madrid manager Diego Pablo Simeone.

“Someone just told me he should go to Barcelona, and the truth is he isn’t there because Barcelona didn’t put in the money they needed to. He would go, because he has always been a Barcelona fan,” Varas said.

“I don’t see him comfortable with Simeone at Atlético… he has never played in the position where he should be used. The team doesn’t create enough for Julián to be the kind of goalscorer he was at River,” he added.

Whether or not Barcelona make another attempt, the reality is that Álvarez would not say no to the reigning LaLiga champions if the conditions were right. For now, he has not signed a contract extension.

He is currently under contract with Atlético until 2030, and the Madrid club values him at around $175 million.

A REAL MADRID CONNECTION

To make matters even more intriguing for Atlético, Álvarez once wore Real Madrid colors. He spent time in the club’s youth academy in Chamartín when he was 11 years old.

Despite showing early promise as a goalscorer and playmaker, both sides ultimately parted ways due to regulations that prevented clubs from signing players under the age of 13.

“I would like him to play for Real Madrid,” Varas also said in the same interview in Santa Fe — a statement unlikely to please Atlético supporters, given the fierce rivalry between the two Madrid giants. The question now is whether Real Madrid could one day re-enter the race and attempt to sign him professionally, potentially stealing him away from Barcelona.

BARCELONA NEEDS JULIÁN ÁLVAREZ

Robert Lewandowski’s expected departure comes at a time when Barcelona’s attacking options are relatively limited. The squad still features Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Marcus Rashford, Ferran Torres, and Roony Bardghji, along with the anticipated arrival of Anthony Gordon — but many believe it may not be enough to defend their LaLiga title, challenge for domestic trophies, or finally end a 12-year UEFA Champions League drought, after several near misses.

Álvarez’s profile remains highly attractive. He has been a difference-maker at River Plate, Manchester City, and Atlético, even if he has not always been the central star. His trophy cabinet includes 16 titles, among them a FIFA World Cup with Argentina and six European honors with Manchester City. The only club where he has yet to lift a trophy is Atlético de Madrid.

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