Article by Daniel Grigore – Published Friday, April 10, 2026, 08:09 / Updated Friday, April 10, 2026 08:09
Barcelona put Julian Alvarez (26 years old) at the top of the transfer list for the next season. The Argentine forward still has a contract with Atletico Madrid until 2030, and “los rojiblancos” are trying to extend the agreement.
In recent Barcelona – Atletico Madrid 0-2the Champions League quarter-final first leg, it was Julian Alvarez who opened the scoring with a superb free-kick.
The 2022 world champion has impressed in his two seasons in Spain and Barcelona have identified him as the man to lead their attack in the coming years.
Julian Alvarez, 'Barcelona's number 1 target this summer'
Catalan daily SPORT writes that “Julian Alvarez is Barcelona's number 1 target this summer” and that the Blaugrana “are determined to make a move for the Argentine, whose future is uncertain”.
According to the cited source, the operation has been underway for a long time, but for the moment subtle:
“Since the start of the season, there has been constant contact between the player's representatives and Barcelona's sporting management, but always discreetly. All conversations so far have been conducted over the phone. Player Agents and Deco (no – the sporting director of Barcelona) want to avoid any exposure that would upset the Atletico camp.”
As for Atletico, the Madrid club's position is clear: Alvarez is not for sale. Catalan journalists write that Madrid are not considering allowing the player to leave for a direct rival.
Atletico Madrid wants to extend his contract
Meanwhile, aware that Barcelona and other big clubs such as PSG and Arsenal are interested in Alvarez's services, respectively that there are talks behind the scenes, Atletico are trying to convince him to sign the contract extension due in 2030.
“They know it won't be easy for them, but they think they can convince him by emphasizing his importance in the project and the potential growth of the team in the coming years,” writes SPORT.
Bought for 75 million euros from Manchester City, Julian Alvarez scored 47 goals and provided 17 assists in 102 games for Atletico.
