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Lamine Yamal renews his public call for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez to join him at Barcelona
Arjun Pillai | July 9, 2026 9:53 PM CST

Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal has once again made a public appeal for Julian Alvarez to join him at the Camp Nou, describing the Atletico Madrid forward as an ideal addition to the Catalan side. The young winger believes the Argentine international has every attribute needed to flourish under Barcelona’s tactical system.

Yamal’s direct message to Alvarez

The 18-year-old Spain international has never hidden his admiration for Alvarez or his wish to see him in a Barcelona jersey. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Yamal spoke enthusiastically about the 26-year-old’s qualities and his potential to fit seamlessly into Xavi’s system. He emphasised that the entire squad would welcome Alvarez with open arms if a transfer materialised.

“Everyone knows he’s a top player, the kind that every team dreams of having. I’ve already said it before — we’re ready to welcome him, and if he joins us, we’ll all be delighted. I think he would suit Barca’s playing style perfectly. I don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes, but I really hope it happens,” Yamal said.

‘The best club in the world’

Julian Alvarez has established himself as one of the most dependable forwards in modern football after successful stints at Manchester City and now Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone. His versatility and relentless work ethic have made him a key target for Barcelona. Yamal, who has repeatedly expressed his wish to play alongside the Argentine, believes Alvarez would not regret making the move to Camp Nou.

“He would be joining the best club in the world, with the best fans and the best city, in my opinion. If I were him, I’d do it. If he wants to come, we’re waiting for him — go ahead,” Yamal added.

Simeone’s patience wears thin

While Yamal continues to campaign for the transfer, the situation in Madrid appears increasingly tense. Reports indicate that Alvarez’s relationship with Diego Simeone has deteriorated, with the Atletico coach losing patience over the player’s apparent interest in leaving. Known for his demand for total commitment, Simeone is now reportedly open to sanctioning the World Cup winner’s departure after growing frustrated with repeated public hints about a move to Barcelona. Inside the Metropolitano, club officials are said to view a sale as the most practical solution to prevent unrest within the dressing room.

Financial challenge for Laporta

Despite clear mutual interest, any potential transfer faces a major obstacle in Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles. Sporting director Deco is believed to be a strong supporter of Alvarez’s signing, but the club will need to find creative ways to meet Atletico Madrid’s valuation. The capital side are expected to demand a substantial fee, particularly if they must sell to a domestic rival rather than a foreign club. President Joan Laporta and the Barca board are reportedly exploring various financial mechanisms to structure a deal that would comply with La Liga’s strict financial fair play regulations.


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