Signs of division have emerged within the Barcelona dressing room over the club’s efforts to sign Julián Álvarez from Atlético Madrid during the summer transfer window. According to Catalan outlet El Nacional, the move lacks unanimous support inside Camp Nou, despite President Joan Laporta placing the Argentine striker at the top of his transfer priorities to bolster Barca’s attack.
Player Concerns: Torres, Gavi, Pedri, and Raphinha’s Stance
The report highlights that Ferran Torres, Gavi, Pedri, and Raphinha are less than enthusiastic about Álvarez’s potential arrival, though each player has distinct reasons:
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Ferran Torres believes he deserves a bigger role leading Barcelona’s attack and fears Álvarez’s signing would push him further down the hierarchy.
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Gavi and Pedri are reportedly aligned with Torres due to their strong personal bond with the Spanish forward. However, this claim remains questionable, as Pedri has previously praised Álvarez publicly and expressed his desire to play alongside top-tier talent at Barcelona.
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Raphinha allegedly feels that spending around €150 million on a new striker makes little financial sense, especially after the club’s other attacking reinforcements this summer.
Flick, Deco, and Atlético Madrid Weigh In
The reservations extend beyond the squad. Sporting Director Deco and Manager Hansi Flick both share concerns over the massive price tag and prefer exploring more cost-effective attacking options. Conversely, Laporta remains keen on the deal, claiming Álvarez is open to a new challenge. However, Atlético Madrid firmly reject selling their star, reportedly refusing to entertain offers even in the €100m–€200m range.
