If Barcelona wants to complete the giant signing, it needs to happen now
The deadline set by president Joan Laporta for the acquisition of Julian Alvarez is approaching, but Atletico Madrid continues to dig in its heels. In Catalonia, it was reported that Barca has a 100 million euro contingency plan, with disagreements in the management on whether to implement it.
It is no secret that Barcelona is eager to sign Julian Alvarez. The presidents of Barca and Atletico Madrid have spoken publicly about the matter, the Argentine striker admitted during the World Cup that he asked to leave, but as of now, there is no progress towards a deal. According to reports in Spain, if this massive transfer does not materialize soon, it will not happen this summer.
Barca president Joan Laporta recently stated that the club submitted an offer to Atletico, but its validity is limited:
"The offer is valid until the last week of July or the first week of August."
This means the money time has begun.
Atletico knows it may be left with an unhappy star, but as of now, it is digging in its heels. The Madrid side made it clear that they will not agree to sell the Argentine for 100, 150, or 200 million euros. Every time, they refer the interested club to the release clause stated in Alvarez's contract - 500 million euros - a disproportionate amount intended to deter suitors.
An expensive contingency plan
Understanding that Julian might not necessarily arrive, Barca has already prepared a surprising contingency plan. The next name on the list is Eli Junior Kroupi, the 20-year-old striker for Bournemouth from the Premier League. The Frenchman had a great debut season in England with 13 league goals and helped the Cherries qualify for the Europa League.
Although he is a much less proven player than Alvarez, Kroupi could also cost Barca a nine-figure sum. According to the Catalan newspaper "Sport", there are disagreements within Barcelona's management regarding a possible deal for Kroupi. Some believe the player has the attributes required to fit into Flick's team, but there are also those who argue that paying 100 million euros for a 20-year-old striker is a risky decision.
Either way, Barcelona will have to strengthen with a striker in the time remaining in the window. Robert Lewandowski has left, and a parting with Ferran Torres is also possible given that he is entering the final year of his contract. Aside from Torres, Flick can only improvise up front, as the two new acquisitions, Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, can play there in a certain configuration.
