Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has publicly encouraged Julian Alvarez to join the Catalan club, potentially inflaming tensions with Atletico Madrid who are vehemently opposed to selling to their rivals. Yamal stated he would ‘welcome Alvarez with open arms’ and believes Barcelona is ‘the best club in the world,’ urging the Argentinian forward to make the move.
Alvarez has been a key target for Barcelona throughout the summer transfer window, having previously expressed his desire to leave Atletico. This declaration, made during the World Cup, angered Atletico officials who maintain they will not negotiate a transfer with Barcelona under any circumstances. The club has even threatened to report Barcelona to FIFA, alleging an unlawful approach to the player.
Speaking on Spanish radio station El Larguero, Yamal elaborated on his enthusiasm for Alvarez’s potential arrival. “Right now, I'm not really thinking about it much, but I hope so, because he's a great player,” Yamal said. “If he comes, we'd welcome him with open arms. He's coming to the best club in the world, with the best fans in the world, and the best city in the world, in my opinion. So, if I were him, I'd do it. If he wants to come, we'll be waiting for him, go ahead.”
Yamal is not the only Barcelona player to publicly court Alvarez. Midfielder Pedri previously stated his desire to see Alvarez join the La Liga champions, saying he “wants the best players” at Barcelona, while acknowledging the complexities of completing the deal. Despite interest from Premier League champions Arsenal, Alvarez is reportedly unwilling to move to England.
Reports suggest a breakdown in the relationship between Alvarez and Atletico manager Diego Simeone is contributing to the player’s desire to leave. Barcelona have already had a bid of approximately €100 million rejected for the 26-year-old, and are expected to submit a further offer. The situation remains fraught, with Atletico determined to prevent Alvarez from strengthening a direct rival. A successful transfer would bolster Barcelona’s attacking options, while a failure to resolve the situation could leave Atletico with a disgruntled player.
