Barcelona to handle Julian Alvarez operation with greater discretion as Laporta takes charge

Barcelona to handle Julian Alvarez operation with greater discretion as Laporta takes charge According to Santi Ovalle of Cadena SER , FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has taken personal control of the club’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez. Negotiations are expected to continue directly with Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin once the World Cup concludes. Change in negotiating strategy According to the journalist, Barcelona have now decided to handle the operation with greater discretion. Club officials believe Atletico Madrid can eventually be convinced to negotiate the player’s transfer. However, rather than leaving negotiations to the sporting departments, Barcelona have decided that Laporta will deal directly with Gil Marin. The reason is the lack of a working relationship between sporting director Deco and Atletico’s football executive Mateu Alemany. Lapoprta will lead the negotiations. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Relations between Alemany and Barcelona have remained strained since his departure from the club, making direct negotiations between the presidents the preferred approach. Laporta’s words Speaking after arriving in Dallas to watch Spain’s World Cup semifinal against France, Laporta addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding the Argentine striker. When asked about Barcelona’s chances of signing Alvarez, Laporta remained cautious but confirmed the club’s interest. The Barcelona president acknowledged that the club’s offer remains on the table while stressing there are clear limits. “Regarding the signing of Julian, obviously we’re not going to be dancing to anyone’s tune; we’ll set the pace. We’ve made an offer that isn’t unlimited, and we’ll announce when the time comes how long the offer remains valid,” he said .  Barcelona’s priority target. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Laporta also admitted that Alvarez is one of the club’s priority targets, while also confirming that he has held conversations with Gil Marin regarding the striker’s future. “We spoke very clearly and amicably, and I understand we have a very good relationship with them. There was some initial confusion regarding the offer we made, which I clarified. “ Waiting until after the World Cup Despite Barcelona’s optimism, the situation remains complicated. Atletico Madrid continue to insist that Alvarez is not for sale and have not altered their public stance. For that reason, Barça intend to wait until the World Cup has concluded before intensifying negotiations behind closed doors. The Catalan club hopes that quieter discussions, led personally by Laporta, will create the best opportunity to complete what remains one of their primary transfer objectives this summer.