Barcelona: what are the alternatives after Atlético's blunt refusal on Álvarez?
Transfer news: Atlético Madrid reject a €200m Julián Álvarez transfer to Barcelona. Discover the striker alternatives the Catalan club are exploring this summer.
Atlético Madrid have sent an unequivocal message to FC Barcelona: Julián Álvarez is not for sale. The Madrid club's CEO, Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, was blunt: "We won't accept €100 million, €150 million, or even €200 million." A cash-clear statement that now forces Barça to activate their plan B.
A door closed by Atlético
Beyond the CEO's comments, the Madrid club's leadership also made clear that "Joan Laporta knows where Álvarez will play next season," further burying Barça's hopes of bringing the Argentine international to Camp Nou this summer. Barcelona's president, for his part, has publicly played it cool, insisting his club has several alternative solutions.
The profiles Barça are considering
According to the Spanish press, the Catalan club is exploring a wide range of profiles, from promising young talents to established strikers:
- Victor Osimhen — considered the strongest candidate should the Álvarez deal fall through, the Nigerian forward now plays for Galatasaray following his permanent transfer from Napoli.
- Benjamin Šeško — the 23-year-old Slovenian forward, who scored 12 goals in 32 appearances in his first season at Manchester United, remains closely monitored.
- Finik Asllani — the 23-year-old Kosovo international, who registered 11 goals and 8 assists at Hoffenheim, carries a release clause of around €29 million, making him a far more affordable option.
- Eli Junior Kroupi — the 20-year-old French forward impressed at Bournemouth with 13 goals in his debut Premier League season, though the English club is reportedly demanding around €100 million.
- Lautaro Martínez, Dušan Vlahović and Harry Kane — three more experienced names also mentioned among the options being weighed by Barça's board.
A decision looming before La Liga's return
Barcelona will need to settle on one of these options quickly to complete their forward line before the Spanish season resumes, with the Álvarez saga now appearing, barring a dramatic U-turn, definitively closed on Atlético's end.
Frequently asked questions
Why won't Julián Álvarez join FC Barcelona?
Because Atlético Madrid have officially declared the player is not for sale, rejecting any offer regardless of amount, including bids as high as €200 million.
What is Barcelona's top alternative if the Álvarez deal collapses?
Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian forward at Galatasaray, is considered the strongest candidate according to the Spanish press.
What is the most financially affordable alternative?
Finik Asllani, the Kosovo international at Hoffenheim, carries a release clause of only around €29 million.
