Barcelona dressing room ‘split’ over €150m move for Julian Alvarez – reports

Four Barcelona first‐team players are opposed to a blockbuster move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, according to reports in Spain, exposing apparent divisions inside the Catalan club over a deal that could cost around €150m.

Spanish outlet El Nacional claims that Ferran Torres, Gavi, Pedri and Raphinha have all expressed reservations about the proposed transfer, even as club president Joan Laporta continues to prioritise Alvarez as his preferred signing to spearhead Barca’s attack.

The Argentina forward, currently at Atletico, has been heavily linked with a switch to the Camp Nou this summer as Barcelona look to reshape their forward line following the departure of Robert Lewandowski.

Senior players ‘unconvinced’ by Alvarez move

El Nacional reports that Ferran Torres, a direct rival for attacking minutes, believes he can secure a regular starting role under new coach Hansi Flick and fears that the arrival of Alvarez would significantly reduce his opportunities.

Gavi and Pedri are said to be backing Torres, with the publication suggesting that their close relationship with the Spain international has seen them side with him in resisting the club’s pursuit of the Atletico striker.

Raphinha’s concerns are described as more financial than personal. The Brazilian winger is reported to consider a fee in the region of €150m for Alvarez excessive, especially after Barcelona have already bolstered their attacking options with the signings of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi.

Conflicting reports over Flick and Deco stance

According to El Nacional, both sporting director Deco and head coach Flick share misgivings about the overall cost of a potential deal and would prefer the club to target a less expensive centre‐forward.

However, this claim is contradicted by separate reporting from Catalan newspaper Sport, which states that Deco and Flick are completely aligned in viewing Alvarez as Barcelona’s first‐choice option to replace Lewandowski at centre‐forward.

Sport reports that there is “full agreement” between the sporting director and the coach that Alvarez is the leading candidate for the striker role and that both men see him as the ideal long‐term partner in attack for teenage star Lamine Yamal.

Flick is said by Sport to believe the Argentine’s movement, pressing and versatility make him well suited to Barcelona’s tactical model and capable of leading the line for years to come.

Laporta pushing, but Barca wary of risk

Despite the reported internal debate, El Nacional maintains that president Laporta continues to view Alvarez as “the number one objective” to reinforce Barcelona’s forward line this summer and is determined to test Atletico’s resolve.

Barcelona’s financial position, however, remains constrained. Club sources cited in Spanish media insist that the Catalans are unwilling to take on a level of financial risk that could destabilise their ongoing economic recovery, even for a marquee signing.

The club is instead said to be betting on the player’s own determination to engineer a move.

Player’s ‘dream’ fuels Barcelona hopes

Alvarez has previously signalled his openness to a change of scene. During a recent international tournament he said he wanted to leave in order “لتحقيق حلمه” – “to fulfil his dream” – a comment interpreted in Barcelona as a clear indication that he would welcome a switch to the Camp Nou.

Barca regard that public stance as a key lever in negotiations. The club hopes Alvarez will restate his desire to move once the World Cup has concluded, thereby increasing pressure on Atletico Madrid to sit down at the table.

Even so, Barcelona officials are said to be fully aware of the complexity of any deal with a direct La Liga rival and are preparing for the possibility that the operation may ultimately prove impossible.

For now, the Catalan side are monitoring developments closely and waiting for Alvarez’s next move after the tournament – a decision that could determine whether one of this summer’s most ambitious transfer pursuits accelerates or is quietly abandoned.