The gesture of Julián Álvarez that Barça was waiting for so much: "I think the best for everyone is a transfer"

BarcelonaArgentina won against Austria and secured their ticket to the round of 16. Leo Messi surpassed Klose and has become the all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals. But all of this has been overshadowed by Julián Álvarez's surprising statements in the mixed zone.

Barça, which has been working for weeks to sign the Argentine forward, was hoping for a gesture from the player that would publicly demonstrate his desire to move. Pressure on Atlético de Madrid that arrived this Monday night. “It's not the time to talk about this, but I can't hide either. I have spoken with the people at the club [Atlético de Madrid] and I believe that the best for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfill my dream”.

With these statements, Julián passes the ball to Atlético de Madrid's court, which was adamant about negotiating for the footballer. The Mattress club did not accept Florentino Pérez's 150 million euros —which seemed like a clear electoral maneuver— and demanded the termination clause from all clubs that wanted to sign the Argentine, for 500 million euros.

Julián Álvarez's words, however, change the landscape again. Atlético de Madrid will have to decide whether to lower their demands or agree to keep a footballer who has publicly declared his desire to leave. Meanwhile, Barça waits on the other side of the negotiation to make the right move to strengthen an attack in which they have already incorporated Anthony Gordon. Arsenal and PSG are other clubs paying attention to the Argentine.

The reaction from the Madrid club was not long in coming. "There is no amount for which Barça can buy Julián. Either he pays the clause or nothing," mattress sources told "Diario AS". The white-and-red entity is considering reporting Barça to FIFA's sporting justice for negotiating with a contracted player. "Everyone knows that they are a cheating club, but they have encountered a club that will not laugh at their jest," adds the aforementioned outlet.