Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo has admitted he struggles to understand Atletico Madrid’s refusal to negotiate a deal that could have taken Julian Alvarez to the Spanish champions.
The Argentina international was Barcelona’s leading attacking target throughout the summer transfer window, with the Catalan giants reportedly submitting an offer worth more than €100 million for the forward.
However, Atletico rejected the proposal and refused to enter negotiations with their LaLiga rivals, despite reports suggesting Alvarez was interested in making the move to Spotify Camp Nou.
The situation became even more complicated after Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin insisted last week that he would “never” sell Álvarez to Barcelona.
Atletico have also reported Barca to FIFA and the Royal Spanish Football Federation over allegations that the Catalan club illegally approached the Argentine forward.
Olmo, speaking at an event in his hometown of Terrassa, admitted that he found Atlético’s position difficult to understand.
“I don’t understand it [Atletico’s stance],” Olmo said at an event in his hometown of Terrassa on Wednesday.
“We all have our dreams. Julian was clear in that respect. He clearly fought for his dreams, but at end of day there are external situations you can’t control and in that sense there is no need to say anything else.”
Alvarez was believed to be keen on joining Barcelona and sources indicated that he had even rejected interest from Arsenal while hoping that a route to Camp Nou could eventually open.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta maintained hope of completing the deal until late in the window, but Atletico’s refusal to soften their stance forced the Spanish champions to change direction.
Barca ultimately strengthened their attack with six first-team arrivals during the summer, including Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi and Gabriel Jesus.
Jesus completed his move this week in a deal worth an initial €10 million after Barcelona coach Hansi Flick pushed for the arrival of a recognised No. 9 following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.
Yet while Barcelona have addressed their immediate needs, Alvarez could remain firmly on their radar.
“As I have said, life goes on, this doesn’t stop,” Olmo added. “We hope to have a really good season with the competition we have in the squad because we have signed well.”
Barcelona may have moved forward, but they have not necessarily closed the door on Alvarez.
Club sources indicated that the Spanish champions could return for another striker in future transfer windows, with the Atlético forward still viewed as a potential long-term target.
Alvarez, meanwhile, has returned to training after missing several days of work and sitting out Atlético’s victory against Sevilla.
The forward was loudly jeered during his only appearance of the season so far, a 2-2 draw against Villarreal at the Metropolitano on August 23.
Now, Diego Simeone faces the challenge of reintegrating one of his biggest stars as Atletico prepare for a demanding run of away fixtures against Athletic Club, Liverpool and Real Sociedad.
For Barcelona, the transfer saga may be over for now. But with another window always around the corner, the Argentine’s name may yet return to the top of the agenda at Spotify Camp Nou.
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