Atlético Madrid rejects €100M Álvarez bid as Barcelona sets Monday deadline
Atlético Madrid CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín rejected transfer bids for Julián Álvarez from Barcelona and Real Madrid, prompting a sharp response from the forward's agent.
Feud between Atlético Madrid and player representation
The dispute surrounding the future of Julián Álvarez escalated following public statements by Atlético Madrid chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín. Speaking to news agency EFE on Friday, Gil Marín defended the club's sporting strategy and stated that the organization is built around top professionals like Álvarez alongside academy talent. He stated that outside institutions and affiliated media outlets would not be permitted to dictate Atlético's transfer policy or show disrespect to the club. Gil Marín also claimed that the Argentine forward had received poor guidance regarding his career choices over recent months.
We must understand that Julián has not had the best advisors on his professional career in recent months.
The forward's representative, Fernando Hidalgo, responded directly on social media to reject the executive's comments. The public reaction widened the dispute between club leadership and the player's management as the transfer window enters its final stretch.
Never ask a liar why he lied. To explain it, he would have to lie again.
Atlético rejects bids from Barcelona and Real Madrid
Atlético Madrid has refused all transfer inquiries for the Argentine forward, who holds a contract in Madrid running through 2030 and a release clause of €500 million. Club president Enrique Cerezo reiterated that the player is not for sale under any conditions. Gil Marín affirmed that the club would turn down nine-figure bids from domestic rivals, maintaining that keeping Álvarez is required to compete against top European teams.
We do not accept 100 million for Julián Álvarez, nor will we accept 150 or 200.
FC Barcelona submitted an offer near €100 million, which Atlético Madrid declined to answer. Real Madrid also approached Atlético with an offer of €150 million, which the Madrid club rejected without opening talks.
- Barcelona offer
- 100 €M
- Real Madrid offer
- 150 €M
- Release clause
- 500 €M
Barcelona sets Monday deadline to address forward void
FC Barcelona established Monday as its deadline to resolve the transfer pursuit. The Catalan club is attempting to fill the vacancy left by Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expired on 30 June. Lewandowski departed for Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire after completing four seasons in Spain, where he recorded 119 goals in 191 appearances.
- Robert Lewandowski leaves Barcelona on a free transfer to Chicago Fire
- Miguel Ángel Gil Marín insists Julián Álvarez is not for sale
- Agent Fernando Hidalgo responds publicly to Gil Marín
- Barcelona internal deadline to conclude Julián Álvarez negotiations
Barcelona sporting director Deco stated that replacing Lewandowski's impact is a difficult task, though he noted the squad possesses internal options while the market remains open. The attacking options narrowed further following the sale of Ferran Torres to Paris Saint-Germain for approximately €50 million.
Contingency plans and alternative targets
Club sources at Barcelona confirmed the existence of alternate plans if Atlético refuses to negotiate before the deadline. While reports in Barcelona connected the club to Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez, club officials dismissed the possibility. Martínez is contracted with Inter until 2029, and the Italian side considers him non-transferable.
Without an agreement for Álvarez, Barcelona plans to implement internal tactical solutions or pursue other targets. The coaching staff has prepared alternative profiles across versatile attacking roles before the summer transfer window closes.
