Article by Romeo Ene – Published Saturday, February 21, 2026, 7:24 p.m. / Updated Saturday, February 21, 2026, 7:25 p.m.
Argentinian journalist Hugo Balasone announced on Monday evening that the forward's transfer to Barcelona is almost settled.
According to him, Julian Alvarez he was to join the Catalan team after the World Cup, and the transfer fee was estimated at around 70 million euros.
Atletico Madrid would like a much bigger sum to part with the services of Julian Alvarez
The journalist stated that Alvarez's time at Atletico Madrid is coming to an end, and the footballer would like to play for a team with bigger goals and a real chance to win trophies. Although there was also interest from Arsenal, the striker's decision would have been to continue his career at Barcelona.
The morning, however, completely changed the data of the problem. The Spanish journalist Santi Ovale published an information that cut the enthusiasm of the Catalans.
He claims that Atletico Madrid are asking for a much higher amount for Julian Alvarez, around 200 million euros.
Such an amount calls into question the completion of the transfer, given that Barcelona are still facing financial difficulties.
Atletico Madrid signed Alvarez from Manchester City in the summer of 2024 for €75m and the Madrid club are hoping to make a significant profit in the event of a sale.
Since then he has scored 42 goals in 92 appearances for the team from the Spanish capital.
His current contract with the club is valid until the summer of 2030, and according to the information provided by the Transfermarkt portal, the market value of the footballer is 100 million euros.
