Bombshell! Barça rules out Julián Álvarez: Flick asks for another Atlético signing

The Argentine forward from Atlético de Madrid has become, in just one season, one of the best strikers in the league. His undeniable goal-scoring qualities are highly appreciated by the blaugrana coaching staff, but his price makes it impossible. The release clause is set at 500 million, and Los Colchoneros don't seem willing to negotiate for their star.

In this context, the German coach of Barça has privately admitted that he loves another Rojiblanco player. We're talking about a much more affordable winger. This is another Argentine footballer who arrived this summer at the Metropolitano. We're talking about the 24-year-old Argentine gem who has already become a regular for the Argentine national team, Thiago Almada.

Atlético signed him from Botafogo, although last season he played for Olympique de Lyon on loan. Atlético has paid 21 million to acquire the player, but they still have to pay another 17 million next summer. Almada is a skillful attacking midfielder who has finally managed to break out, and Atlético has placed their bet on the player.

Thiago Almada's profile

Born in 2001, we're talking about one of the greatest prospects from a prolific youth academy like Vélez Sarsfield's. It's worth noting that this was the same team where the current Colchonero coach, Cholo Simeone, made his name. After an early start standing out in Argentina, his move to MLS for 15 million was surprising when he had already earned a reputation as a young talent.

At Atlanta United, he kept growing until the American league became too small for him. He made the leap to the Brazilian league. Botafogo placed their bet on the Argentine and paid nearly 20 million to the American team. In Brazil, he quickly became a key piece in winning Botafogo's only Copa Libertadores.

Barça's interest

It's no secret that Barça is always searching the market for footballers who can give the team a boost in quality. In this sense, Thiago Almada's name is gaining traction, as he was already on the Barcelona radar. The club's main goal for 2026 is to find the ideal replacement for Robert Lewandowski in the striker position.

However, uncertainty remains about what could happen with Fermín in the near future. It will also be important to see if Marcus Rashford adapts and ends up performing well, or if Barça dismisses his purchase option. As a result, Deco remains very alert to Thiago Almada's progress in La Liga; the Argentine has a contract with Los Rojiblancos until 2030.