Barça Give Themselves One More Week. Álvarez Waits as Rodri Moves to the Front

Barcelona still believe they can sign Julián Álvarez, but their patience reportedly has a new expiry date. According to SPORT, the club are prepared to wait until the end of next week. If there is no breakthrough, Deco is expected to begin serious work on alternative targets. At Barcelona, a “final deadline” has the useful habit of being followed by another one.

For now, Rodri has moved to the front of the queue. Gianluigi Longari reports that Barcelona consider negotiations with Manchester City closer to a resolution and therefore want to complete that operation before turning their full attention back to Álvarez.

The problem is that Atlético Madrid are still showing no sign of changing their position. The Argentine remains Hansi Flick’s preferred striker, but the coach’s enthusiasm alone will not suddenly open the door in Madrid or produce a convenient discount.

The plan is therefore clear: Rodri first, Álvarez afterwards and, if another agreement proves impossible, a fresh list of alternatives. Barcelona may not know who will lead their attack yet, but their schedule of final deadlines is becoming impressively detailed.