REUTERS/Marcelo Del Pozo
Julian Alvarez could force his way to Barcelona before the transfer window closes due to a little-known law that can be activated in Spain.
Alvarez is desperate to leave Atletico Madrid for Barcelona and the uncertainty surrounding his future has reportedly taken its toll on him.
It’s been reported by Spanish radio COPE - via Forbes - that Alvarez’s mental health has been impacted by the ongoing transfer saga.
The unsettled Argentina international has missed several training sessions this week, with his dream move to Camp Nou firmly in the balance.
Despite strong interest from Premier League champions Arsenal, Alvarez only wants a move to Barcelona. However, Atletico are not prepared to enter negotiations with the Catalan club.
A custom image of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane
A custom image of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane
Atletico: Alvarez Will Never Go to Barcelona
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Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil told Movistar on Thursday, per Sky Sports: "My personal dream is for Julian Alvarez to stay at Atleti.
"If he wants to leave the club, we will look for an alternative, but he will never, ever, ever go to Barcelona.
"Julian is in poor health. There are people who have taken it upon themselves to deceive and confuse him, and he is going through a difficult situation.
"We are outraged and repulsed by this lack of ethics. We are not going to negotiate with Barcelona. The only firm decision is that we will not negotiate."
Atletico also released a statement criticising Barcelona’s conduct in their pursuit of Alvarez, who joined Los Colchoneros from Manchester City in 2024.
"Atletico de Madrid is open to standard transfer market negotiations when conducted in a professional, ethical and respectful manner,” the statement read.
"We fully stand behind the club's previously communicated position that FC Barcelona failed to meet these requirements and, as a result, there will not be any negotiation, and there is zero consideration of an Alvarez transfer to Barcelona."
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Alvarez Can Force Barcelona Move Thanks to Spanish Law
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However, Alvarez can still force a move to Barcelona if he opts to unilaterally terminate his contract - a move permitted under Spain’s Royal Decree No. 1006, according to Mundo Deportivo, via GOAL.
Royal Decree No. 1006 governs the employment relationship of professional athletes and FIFA, world football’s governing body, cannot step in. Since the matter concerns two clubs from the same country, FIFA would have no jurisdiction.
The case hinges on Article 16, which states: "The termination of the contract at the will of the professional athlete, without a cause attributable to the club, grants the latter the right, where applicable, to receive compensation, and in the absence of an agreement on it, the labour judicial authority shall determine its value in accordance with the sporting circumstances, the damage suffered by the entity, the reasons for the termination of the contract, and all other elements the player deems possible to consider."
It would be down to the courts to determine how much compensation Alvarez would need to pay Atletico Madrid for terminating his own contract.
It’s understood Barcelona would pay the money as the party liable in reserve. The amount of compensation would be based on the remaining years on Alvarez’s contract and the €490 million release clause written into it.
GOAL say the total compensation figure would be nowhere near his astronomical release clause. Release clauses are viewed by the ordinary courts as ‘abusive’ when clubs impose them on players, complicating matters further.
Barcelona remain determined to strike a deal with Atletico before the transfer window closes on Tuesday (September 1), but Alvarez may take matters into his own hands if he believes his current employers will continue to avoid negotiations with the reigning La Liga champions.