Barcelona‘s Dani Olmo expressed confusion over Atlético Madrid‘s unwillingness to discuss a potential transfer deal for Julián Álvarez with the Spanish giants.
Barcelona made an offer exceeding €100 million ($116 million) for Álvarez—who indicated to ESPN in June that he wished to change clubs—but Atlético rejected the proposal and opted not to negotiate with the Catalan club.
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Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín stated last week that he would “never” allow Álvarez to transfer to Barça, having reported them to FIFA and the Royal Spanish Football Federation for allegedly making illegal approaches to the Argentina international.
“I don’t understand Atlético’s position,” Olmo remarked at an event in Terrassa on Wednesday. “We all have our dreams. Julián was open about his desires and fought for them. Ultimately, there are factors beyond your control, and there’s no need to elaborate further.”
This summer, Barça made six signings, including forwards Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, and Gabriel Jesus, but Álvarez remained their top target throughout the transfer period.
Sources indicated that Álvarez also had an interest in joining Barça and even rejected an approach from Arsenal in the hopes of securing a move to Spotify Camp Nou.
Just last week, Barça president Joan Laporta expressed optimism about signing Álvarez, but after it became clear that Atlético would not negotiate, the club turned their attention to Brazil striker Jesus to finalize their attacking lineup.
“Life goes on, this won’t stop,” Olmo commented. “We anticipate a fantastic season with the competition we’ve cultivated in the squad, as we have made commendable signings.”
Jesus completed his move this week for an initial fee of €10 million ($11.6 million) after coach Hansi Flick urged Barça to secure a No. 9 following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres over the summer.
However, the club remains on the lookout for a long-term striker, with Álvarez still seen as a potential target. “There will be more transfer windows,” a club source stated.
In the meantime, Álvarez has returned to training with Atlético following a few days off last week and missing Saturday’s victory over Sevilla.
He received strong jeers during his only match this season, a 2-2 draw at the Metropolitano against Villarreal on August 23.
Coach Diego Simeone now has an opportunity to gradually reintegrate him into the squad with three consecutive away matches following the closure of the transfer window, where Álvarez remains with the team.
Atlético will face Athletic Club, Liverpool, and Real Sociedad before returning home to face Osasuna on September 16.