Real Madrid have officially made a 150 million bid for Julian Alvarez. Atletico Madrid have flatly rejected the bid citing the striker's 500 million buy-out clause. Within the Ciutat Esportiva, they don't view it as an actual bid for the striker.
Sources in Barcelona call this official communication a "public relations maneuver, designed to artificially inflate the price of the Argentinean to stop him from arriving in Catalonia."
The breakdown of money and PR
The official statement from the Santiago Bernabeu has the hallmarks not of genuine market negotiation, but that of a sophisticated political broadcast. The process is designed to benefit the two Madrid clubs and undermine Barcelona.
- The campaign promise fulfilled: Florentino Perez makes a move for a top attacking talent without spending a euro knowing Atletico would turn it down.
- The valuation trap: Through the rejection of the 150 million fee, Atletico Madrid has successfully set an artificial, higher price point and destroyed Barcelona's plans to buy the striker for 100 million euros.
- The "good relations" pact: Barcelona are severely worried that this public statement, which highlights "good relations" between the two clubs, indicates a pre-arranged deal between Atletico and Real Madrid to scupper Barcelona's pursuit of the forward.
The squad & Flick's setup
This manufactured war forces the sporting director Deco into a tricky situation, as Hansi Flick wants a dynamic and mobile attacker to fit into his pressing system, but a price of 150 million euros could derail the summer's strategy.
- The 1:1 ratio reality: Barcelona have now confirmed that Barcelona have obtained their 1:1 ratio but a 150 million Euro move would instantly eat up this hard fought liquidity and leave Deco no ability to sign for other areas of the team, essentially ending the transfer window.
- The Joao Pedro complication: If Atletico Madrid do not budge from their asking price of 150 million euros then Barcelona face a dilemma of being desperate in attack. Pursuing Joao Pedro has its own massive obstacles as Chelsea are not allowing the Brazilian to be sold.
- The Madrid intent: Barcelona sources say the board has already foreseen this move. They have stated the Real Madrid bid is proof that Perez is scared and instead of targeting and trying to improve his own weak attacking squad, is focused on following Barcelona's lead in their pursuit for a forward.
The verdict and way forward
Barcelona must not be dragged into this trap. Enter into a battle against a 500 million euro release clause because Real Madrid are launching a bogus 150 million bid is a suicide mission for the club.
If need be, Deco must drop negotiations and look for alternative targets that can strengthen Barcelona's squad.
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