Álvarez Tells Simeone He Wants Barça — and Gets a No

The Julián Álvarez situation has moved another step forward. According to Mundo Deportivo, the striker spoke directly with Diego Simeone before Atlético Madrid’s training session on Wednesday and reiterated that he wants to leave for Barcelona. Simeone maintained Atlético’s position and told him that the club are counting on him.

That matters because this is no longer simply Barcelona briefing about their preferred striker. MD reports that Álvarez himself has now taken his position directly to the coach, while his representatives Fernando Hidalgo and Sergio Díaz remain in Madrid trying to resolve his future.

Barcelona’s part of the equation is therefore remarkably clear. They want the player, the player reportedly wants them, and Atlético still do not want to sell him to Barça. MD says an earlier €100m proposal did not persuade the Madrid club to negotiate. For once, Barcelona have found a transfer problem that cannot be solved simply by repeating how much the player wants to come.