Álvarez still wants Barça and Atlético halts his departure

Sharing the image of Julián Álvarez keeps insisting on playing at Barça, and according to journalist Jota Jordi the only obstacle is Atlético de Madrid, not the Camp Nou. The warning was given during the Champions League match between Atlético and FC Barcelona, at 19:30 on September 3, 2026 (photo: EFE).

Jota Jordi said, “The problem lies with Atlético” and added: “Do you know what the problem is? That Julián Álvarez really still wants to play at Barça.” The commentator also noted that the striker will be discussed again in January. The statement underscores that the striker’s desire does not depend on the Catalan club’s financial offer.

The transfer window closing on September 1 has not changed the position of the Argentine international. According to the program, his desire to wear the blaugrana remains intact. The January window will, according to the analyst, be the opportunity for Barça to try to overcome Atlético’s barrier.

Firm attitude of Atlético

Gil Marín hasn't moved an inch; the player's release clause amounts to 500 million euros. The club communicated a 0 % chance of letting the Argentine go, arguing dignity above money. The Atlético&quot maintains its unshakable stance. This position has left Barça without a key to unlock the deal.

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Álvarez has a contract with Atlético until June 2030 and arrived from Manchester City in 2024 for around 75 million euros. Since he expressed his intention to leave, the red‑and‑white fans have directed a monumental hiss at him. The contract includes an automatic renewal clause that extends his stay until 2030.

Jota Jordi also addressed the striker’s agent, saying: “What he has done is look out for the player, because Julián doesn’t want to play at Atlético, he wants to play at Barça.” That observation places the January market as the next chapter of the saga. The agent has reiterated that his priority is to secure the move to the Catalan club.

Barça’s financial gap

Barcelona estimates a fair‑play margin of around 60 million euros for the January window, far from the price demanded by Atlético. The economic gap keeps uncertainty alive about the Argentine’s future. Meanwhile, Atlético continues to argue that the 500‑million figure is reasonable for a striker of his caliber.

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While the player’s surroundings keep their eyes on January, the duel between the two clubs is not over, it has only moved to a new round. Fans of both teams will continue to watch the moves in the next window. The wait for the upcoming market will be decisive to finalize or rule out the transfer.