Barcelona are reportedly exploring a sensational swap deal to bring Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez to the Camp Nou, with Gavi and Marc Casadó tipped to move in the opposite direction.
As Hansi Flick looks to sharpen his attacking options for the 2026/27 season, Barcelona’s financial constraints have forced the board to get creative. According to TransferNews, the Catalan giants are preparing a “player-plus-cash” offer to significantly lower the financial burden of signing the Argentine World Cup winner.
The €100m Package: Gavi and Casadó as “Bargaining Chips”
The proposed deal would see Barcelona value the duo of Gavi and Marc Casadó at approximately €70 million. To complete the package, Barça would add a further €30 million in cash, reaching the €100 million valuation Atlético currently holds for Álvarez.
The inclusion of Gavi is the most shocking aspect of the negotiation. While he remains a fan favorite, the club is reportedly cautious about his long-term recovery following his serious injury. Meanwhile, Marc Casadó has seen his minutes limited under Flick’s tactical setup, making him an available asset for the right deal.
Simeone’s Interest in Barça’s Duo
From the Metropolitano’s perspective, Diego Simeone is said to be a long-time admirer of both players. Gavi’s renowned “grinta” and tireless work rate are a perfect match for Simeone’s high-intensity system. Similarly, Casadó’s tactical discipline is viewed as an ideal fit for the Colchoneros’ midfield structure.
For Atlético, losing Julián Álvarez who has been under evaluation regarding his future roles—could be mitigated by the arrival of two of Spain’s brightest young talents.
Financial Logic vs. Emotional Connection
While offloading a generational talent like Gavi would be a difficult pill for the Culers to swallow, securing a world-class forward like “The Spider” Álvarez could be the final piece in Flick’s tactical puzzle. As negotiations remain in the early stages, the footballing world awaits to see if Barcelona will indeed pull the trigger on one of the most controversial swaps in La Liga history.
Filepe Junior is a football writer tracking La Liga transfers, covering major signings, squad planning, and player movements across Spanish clubs.
