Barcelona’s Julian Alvarez plans could be shaped by Ferran Torres’ future

Atletico de Madrid have emerged as a possible destination for Ferran Torres, adding a new dimension to Barcelona’s complicated pursuit of Julian Alvarez.

Torres’ future at Barcelona remains unresolved as the Spain forward continues a media tour in the United States, where he has attracted increased attention after scoring the decisive goal in the World Cup final against Argentina.

The forward has repeatedly said he has not yet decided where he will play next season, leaving the door open to several possibilities.

Barcelona are waiting for Torres to return to Spain and join training next week. He is expected to hold talks with sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick about his position at the club.

Alternatively, the Catalan side could receive a long-awaited call from Paris Saint-Germain, who have been linked with a move for the player. However, despite sustained reports of interest from the French club, Paris Saint-Germain have not yet submitted a formal offer to Barcelona.

Atletico’s potential involvement now provides another possible route for Torres, and could also have a direct impact on Barcelona’s interest in Alvarez.

According to Spanish newspaper AS on Friday, Atletico’s emergence is not necessarily based only on an independent desire to sign the Barcelona forward. The situation could become connected to possible negotiations between the two clubs over Alvarez.

Barcelona have wanted to sign the Argentina international for some time, but Atletico’s refusal to part with their leading goalscorer has made an agreement particularly difficult to reach.

Torres could therefore become an additional negotiating asset for both clubs if discussions over Alvarez are reopened. His presence in the talks may give Barcelona and Atletico another way to explore a deal that has so far proved challenging.

Despite the transfer speculation, Barcelona’s official position on Torres remains clear. The club do not want to sell him and are instead planning to extend his contract.

The current intention is to delay renewal discussions until September, once the transfer window has closed and the club’s position on its salary limit and overall financial structure is clearer.

Barcelona insist that this timetable had already been established and is not connected to the payment of about 8m euros they are expected to make to Manchester City following the renewal of Torres’ contract.

The club also do not plan to offer Torres a major salary increase. Barcelona’s sporting management believe the forward is already paid at a level that reflects his status within the squad, although they are prepared to improve his terms without making a substantial jump in wages.

That leaves Barcelona waiting for developments on two separate fronts: a possible formal approach from Paris Saint-Germain and the prospect of Atletico entering the race for Torres.

Any movement involving the Spain forward could take on greater significance if it coincides with fresh negotiations over Alvarez, whose future at Atletico remains central to Barcelona’s transfer plans.

The potential Atletico interest therefore adds another layer to a situation in which Barcelona’s stated preference is to retain Torres, but where external interest could still influence the club’s options before the transfer window closes.

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