Barcelona Moves to Secure Alvarez Deal Before the World Cup

Barcelona continued its strong moves in the summer transfer market after Deco, the club's sporting director, held a meeting with Fernando Hidalgo, the agent of Argentine striker Julian Alvarez, a player for Atletico Madrid, in a hotel in the city of Barcelona, according to the Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo."

The meeting was attended by Juanma Lopez, who may play a significant role in facilitating negotiations between all parties, alongside Andy Bara, a representative of the agency itself, given the good relationship they have with Atlético Madrid's management, which Barcelona hopes will help expedite the completion of the deal.

Barcelona is aiming to finalize the signing of Julián Álvarez before the start of the 2026 World Cup, during which the Argentine national team will begin its campaign against Algeria on June 17. Deco led the first official move by the Catalan club to secure the deal, as part of the management's plan to strengthen the front line before the new season.

The same source clarified that Julián Álvarez informed Atlético Madrid's management, through his agent, that he is happy at the club but prefers to move to Barcelona if an official offer is made that allows the deal to go through. Meanwhile, neither party wishes for the negotiations to become a prolonged matter during the summer transfer window.

Juanma López is expected to be an influential figure in the negotiations, especially since he has strong connections within Atlético Madrid, having played for the team for several years. He also manages the affairs of several prominent players, including Juan García and Dani Olmo.

Julian Alvarez is considered Barcelona's primary target during the current transfer market, with the expected value of the deal estimated at around 100 million euros, with the possibility of the figure increasing through bonuses and variables. Deco is aiming to complete two major signings to strengthen the team before the World Cup kicks off.