Juventus Transfers: Alvaro Morata to Barcelona is ‘complicated’
Alvaro Morata looks set to stay at Juventus for the remainder of the 2021/22 season as his proposed move to Barcelona appears a “complicated” one to pull off.
Juventus’ stunning move for Fiorentina hitman Dusan Vlahović had opened the door for Morata to leave Turin before the January deadline. Barcelona had registered a strong interest in the player at the start of the window with the Spaniard keen on a move to Catalonia.
However, Juve’s inability to identify and sign a short-term fix at striker meant he wasn’t allowed to leave the club and Morata went on to enjoy a fairly productive January with the Bianconeri.
The Turin giants, though, remain open to parting ways with the on-loan striker with Vlahović’s arrival imminent.
Barcelona are struggling to pull off a deal for Juventus’ Alvaro Morata
Álvaro Morata situation looks more than complicated for Barcelona. He wants to join Barça, there's no doubt - but Atleti are not accepting another loan move and Barcelona can't register him if they don't sell any player. 🇪🇸 #FCB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 27, 2022
His agents will now explore different solutions.
Barcelona have retained an interest in Morata throughout the window with manager Xavi an admirer. However, according to Fabrizio Romano, this deal will be a tricky one for La Blaugrana to pull off for two different reasons.
Firstly, Atletico Madrid, who still own Morata, are not willing to accept another loan move for the striker. Thus, Barcelona will have to buy him outright this month. Secondly, Barça will have to sell players before they attempt to bring the 29-year-old in. After eventually registering Ferran Torres following his €55m arrival from Manchester City, La Blaugrana are once again over La Liga’s cap based on revenues and expenditure.
Romano adds that Morata’s agents are exploring alternatives with a move to Catalonia unlikely this month.
Should Morata stay in Turin for the remainder of the season, new arrival Vlahović is expected to take the #7 shirt with the Spaniard currently the #9. Sky Italia (via Forza Juventus) add that Kaio Jorge will likely leave on loan before the window shuts. The young Brazilian has barely seen the field this season and he’ll be fourth in the depth chart should Vlahović arrive and Morata remain.