Barcelona boost Julián Álvarez bid to €120m with add-ons if Atletico budge

Julián Álvarez’s transfer saga with FC Barcelona just took a fresh twist after the Catalans confirmed they’re ready to hike their bid to €120 million-if Atletico Madrid finally open the door for talks.

The move comes after Barça lodged an opening offer of €100 million that president Joan Laporta insists remains valid until July 31. Yet Atleti have dug in, insisting the 24-year-old Argentine will not be sold at any price this summer.

What’s the latest on the Julián Álvarez transfer?

According to Cadena SER’s Santi Ovalle, Barça can sweeten their package with performance-based add-ons, lifting the total ceiling to around €120 million if negotiations resume. The fixed fee stays close to €100 million, but the Blaugrana are willing to flex on bonuses to bridge the gap.

Atleti, however, have shown zero signs of budging. CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín restated their stance just before the World Cup final, declaring: “We didn’t accept €100 million, nor will we accept €150 million or €200 million.”

Why does this matter for Julián Álvarez?

The Argentine forward has made it clear he wants to leave Atleti this summer, but his club’s refusal to sell-combined with Barça’s escalating offer-keeps him in limbo. His next training return date is set for August 10, following his World Cup final appearance on July 14.

Barça, meanwhile, have tied the operation to a July 31 deadline. If no breakthrough arrives, sporting director Deco will pivot to other targets, though groundwork for those moves is already underway.

What happens next in the Julián Álvarez saga?

The clock is ticking. Barça’s improved offer hinges on Atleti re-entering talks, but Gil Marín’s comments suggest the Colchoneros aren’t flinching. The Argentine’s future remains hostage to a club that refuses to budge on price.

For Álvarez, the wait drags on. His camp has pushed for a move, yet Atleti’s stance leaves him stranded-at least until the July 31 cut-off or until Barça’s alternatives materialize.

Key quotes and dates

Gil Marín’s refusal to budge came just before the World Cup final on July 14. Barça’s €100 million offer stays live until July 31, after which Deco will shift focus elsewhere. Álvarez’s next training return is scheduled for August 10.