Julian Alvarez stepped into Camp Nou with a mission to succeed, a mission in Atletico colors but how long will that happen should he change to the Blaugrana next season.
It would be a significant financial stretch for Barcelona, but his Man of the Match performance made one thing clear: Hansi Flick’s side could truly use a player like him, especially with the current crop of strikers failing to deliver.
His superb free-kick, made even sweeter by Pau Cubarsí’s sending-off, highlighted his quality, while his all-round display, both leading the line and dropping deeper, was nothing short of outstanding.
We assess the players Deco and Flick can afford to exchange to cut that asking price down.
Ferran Torres
The striker has come off the boil significantly since January, managing just one goal in his last ten appearances (before Espanyol) and failing to complete a full 90 minutes in any of those outings. Certainly got class in La Liga with his 14 goals this season , making it the biggest return of his career.
Reports of frustration over limited starting opportunities could make a potential departure more appealing and, in turn, ease negotiations. The decision now rests with Diego Simeone and Atlético Madrid as to whether they see the Spanish international as a fit for their system, or whether he is ahead of Alexander Sorloth.
One thing in Barcelona’s favour is that Antoine Griezmann’s departure will certainly leave a hole that Torres can fill.
Dani Olmo
To make a player swap attractive, it has to be viable plus appealing for the other club involved - Atletico Madrid.
Dani Olmo stands out as a player Barcelona could afford to part with, particularly given Fermín López’s emergence and the club’s strong pipeline of young talent in that position.
The Spanish international has endured a somewhat inconsistent season, only beginning to show his true quality after the Christmas break. However, his return of seven goals and seven assists suggests he could play a significant role in filling the void left by Griezmann’s expected move to MLS.
Alejandro Balde
A regular starter on the left, he has faced criticism this season for his limited impact in attack and lapses in defensive responsibility.
The potential permanent signing of João Cancelo could push him down the pecking order, unless Jules Koundé is the one to make way instead.
While the academy graduate may prefer to stay, the prospect of consistent first-team football elsewhere could prove difficult to resist.