Report – Julian Alvarez camp expects Atletico Madrid to offer striker to Barcelona in January

Barcelona could receive an unexpected opportunity to revive their pursuit of Julian Alvarez in January, with the Atletico Madrid striker’s camp reportedly believing the Spanish club could eventually approach Barça themselves with an offer.

According to a revelation from El Chiringuito TV, Alvarez’s representatives believe the situation at Atletico could become untenable over the course of the season, potentially forcing the club to reconsider their stance on the Argentina international.

Alvarez was Barcelona’s preferred target to strengthen the No.9 position, but the Catalan club ultimately failed to prise him away from the Metropolitano.

Barça moved for Gabriel Jesus instead, yet that decision has done little to eliminate the expectation that they could return for Alvarez when the January window opens.

Barcelona are understood to have around €60 million of Financial Fair Play margin, leaving them with room to explore another major operation.

Atletico have refused to change their position

Atletico’s stance throughout the summer was uncompromising, with the club considering the Alvarez situation effectively closed before the transfer window ended.

Barcelona will return for Julian Alvarez in January. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

At Atletico, the expectation was that Alvarez would remain at the club and the speculation surrounding Barcelona would eventually fade.

Instead, the issue continues to hang over the striker.

The Catalan club’s decision to sign Gabriel Jesus did not completely end the story either. While Barcelona secured an alternative for their attack, the Alvarez interest remained in the background.

That is something Atletico are aware of. The Madrid club accepts that the subject could continue to dominate discussions throughout the season, regardless of whether the Argentine eventually stays or leaves.

Why Barcelona could return for Alvarez

Barcelona’s interest in Alvarez has never been difficult to understand.

The Argentine was identified as the preferred option to reinforce the centre-forward position, and the club’s inability to sign him this summer has not necessarily changed that assessment.

Barcelona have covered the position with Gabriel Jesus. (Picture credit: X/@FCBarcelona)

What could change the equation is Atletico’s position.

If Alvarez’s camp is correct in believing that the situation will eventually become untenable, Barcelona could find themselves in a very different negotiating position in January.

Instead of trying to convince Atletico to sell a player they had no intention of losing, Barça could potentially be approached by the player’s current club.

The involvement of new parties with connections to both Barcelona and Atletico is also expected to play a role if the situation develops in that direction.

For now, though, that remains a scenario rather than an established transfer plan.