South American superstar keeping all options open amid Barcelona interest - Romano | Barca Universal

"As relayed in recent days, Barcelona are as close to returning to the 1:1 Financial Fair Play rule as they have been in a long time, and the board's hope is that the club move past that restriction in time for the summer transfer window. While the practical feasibility of the plan remains unclear, they also hope to secure a big-name signing in June if they do indeed return to the 1:1 rule - and Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez stands out as a serious option to be that marquee signing."

"There is nothing concrete or advanced as matters stand, and several clubs are alert to the World Cup winner's potential availability on the transfer market. Barcelona are certainly among those seriously interested in signing the South American striker, but they are far from being the only party in the race. The Catalans see Alvarez to be their favourite option to reinforce the centre-forward department by some distance and will push to sign him as far as they can."

"Needless to say, the entire operation will depend on the club's return to the 1:1, potential sales in the summer and space on the wage bill, and it remains to be seen how truly feasible his signing is. After all, the 25-year-old's current contract with Atletico Madrid runs until 2030, and Los Rojiblancos will not make it easy for any club to sign him, let alone a direct competitor."

Barcelona are close to returning to the 1:1 Financial Fair Play rule and hope to clear the restriction before the summer transfer window. The board aims to secure a big-name signing in June if regulatory conditions allow, with Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez identified as a leading option and a potential long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski. Alvarez keeps multiple options open and has not chosen a destination. Several clubs monitor his potential availability, but Barcelona view him as their preferred target and will pursue him, subject to FFP status, summer sales, wage-bill capacity, and Atletico's contract until 2030.

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