Barça Counts Down to a Deadline No One Cares About

Barcelona are nervously watching the clock today. According to Joan Laporta’s public declaration, the club’s offer for Julián Álvarez expires on July 31. The problem is that Atlético have spent the last two months showing absolutely no interest in joining Barça’s countdown. The Catalans set a deadline that the other side never even acknowledged.

According to Cadena SER, Barça offered €100 million in six instalments. Atlético did not consider it a serious basis for negotiations. The Madrid club point to Álvarez’s contract until 2030 and his €500 million release clause. Miguel Ángel Gil Marín reportedly made it clear that he would not sell the striker to Barcelona for €150 million or even €200 million. Laporta responded by putting an expiry date on his offer. It is a bit like threatening a homeowner that you will stop browsing their listing unless they accept your price.

Barça are still hoping Álvarez will ask to leave again and handle the most difficult part of the transfer for them. Meanwhile, Atlético have accused the Catalan club of making improper contact with a player under contract, prompting the RFEF to open disciplinary proceedings. No negotiations, no agreement, but already an investigation. The operation is developing in a very Barcelona-like fashion.

At midnight, the offer should officially disappear from a table Atlético never sat down at. Laporta can then extend it, submit another one or finally activate Plan B. The important thing is to keep the clock ticking—even if nobody outside Barcelona can hear it.