With the FC Barcelona presidential elections only a few weeks away, it is common for candidates to float big-name players as possible signings to win support.
In recent weeks, high-profile names such as Harry Kane and Julian Alvarez have been mentioned as potential marquee signings to excite voters and strengthen sporting projects during the campaign.
Alvarez, in particular, is being talked about as the Catalans’ top target for the summer to replace Robert Lewandowski in the summer.
There have even been suggestions that there are direct contacts between officials from Barça and the Atletico Madrid superstar’s entourage.
Mateu Alemany responds
Amidst all the speculations, Atletico Madrid sporting director Mateu Alemany has moved to shut down the rumours linking Alvarez to Barcelona.
A target for Barcelona. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Speaking to the media before the Rojiblancos’ UEFA Champions League match against Club Brugge at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, he made it clear that there was no contact with anyone from Barcelona regarding the Argentine forward.
“Interest in many players exists, but we have to live with that,” he said, as quoted by SPORT.
“Julian is an Atletico player. Atletico have very good players and many clubs are interested in them, but we haven’t spoken to anyone, neither pre-candidates nor candidates, not from Barcelona, not from anyone.”
Alvarez’s current season has not matched his exploits from his debut campaign in Spain. However, he continues to generate total consensus at Barcelona as the ideal candidate to replace Lewandowski.
Any move for the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner will be very hard to pull off. Atletico have him secured to a long-term contract until 2030 and have no intention of selling him unless there is an enormous offer of around €200 million.