Barcelona continue to pursue Julian Alvarez, but with Atletico Madrid refusing to budge on the Argentine forward, the Blaugrana are now exploring alternatives. Georgian striker Georges Mikautadze has emerged as a potential Plan B, with the club reportedly making contact with the Villarreal forward’s representatives.
Alvarez wants Barcelona, but Atletico hold firm
Barcelona’s transfer department remains committed to signing Alvarez, who has already communicated his desire to join the club to Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone. The 24-year-old returned to training with the Spanish capital side but has made his preference for a move to Camp Nou explicitly clear following discussions with his manager.
That willingness alone, however, will not unlock the deal. Atletico Madrid have shown no inclination to release their prized asset, leaving Barcelona at an impasse. With the window progressing and no breakthrough in sight, the Catalan club recognizes the risk of spending weeks chasing an unattainable target while ignoring other opportunities in the market.
Mikautadze emerges as the realistic alternative
This uncertainty has prompted Barcelona to shift focus toward Villarreal’s Mikautadze, according to SPORT. The 23-year-old has already received overtures from the Blaugrana, and the Georgian international has responded positively to the possibility of moving to Catalonia.
Mikautadze enjoyed a productive first season in La Liga following his arrival from Olympique Lyon in September 2025. He netted 15 goals and provided 6 assists across the campaign, establishing himself as a consistent attacking threat. Villarreal acquired him for €31 million plus a further €5 million in potential add-ons on a six-year contract extending to 2031.
That lengthy deal affords the Yellow Submarine considerable leverage in negotiations. The club are expected to demand between €60 million and €65 million for their striker, figures that remain substantial but potentially more achievable than the astronomical cost of prising Alvarez away from Atletico Madrid.
Why the financial angle favors Mikautadze over Alvarez
Barcelona face a critical decision: continue gambling on Alvarez while Atletico Madrid maintains their defensive stance, or pivot toward a player already available at a demonstrable price point. Mikautadze represents a tangible option within the club’s financial parameters, whereas Alvarez’s transfer remains locked behind Atletico’s unwillingness to negotiate meaningfully.
The Georgian’s goal return and assist output suggest he can deliver immediate value at Camp Nou, even if he lacks the profile or marketability of his Argentine counterpart. By preparing a concrete alternative, Barcelona protect themselves against being left empty-handed during a crucial window period.
