Atletico Board Holds Firm on No-Negotiation Stance Over Julian Alvarez
Atlético de Madrid’s Board of Directors has unanimously backed the club’s decision not “to negotiate“ with Barcelona over the potential transfer of Julián Álvarez.
The club has reiterated that there is “zero consideration” of selling the Argentina international to Barcelona, insisting that the Catalan giants failed to meet the standards required for transfer negotiations.
Atlético said it remains open to normal transfer-market discussions when conducted professionally and respectfully, but maintained that Barcelona’s approach did not satisfy those conditions.
The club has therefore made its position clear that Barcelona will have to activate Álvarez’s €500 million release clause if they want to sign him, rather than expect Atlético to negotiate a fee.
Barcelona had a €100 million offer rejected in June, but president Joan Laporta revealed this week that the proposal remains available should Atlético change their stance.
The Catalan club has reportedly agreed personal terms with Álvarez, with the forward also expressing his desire to join Barcelona. Atlético, however, remain determined not to sell their star player to a direct domestic rival.
Álvarez has scored 49 goals across all competitions since joining Atlético from Manchester City in 2024 and remains a key part of Diego Simeone’s plans.
The situation has already created tension around the player, with Álvarez booed by some Atlético supporters after coming off the bench against Villarreal and failing to join his teammates in acknowledging the fans afterwards.
Barcelona’s need for a new striker has increased following Robert Lewandowski’s departure to Chicago Fire and Ferran Torres’ move to Paris Saint-Germain. Torres scored twice on his PSG debut in a 2-2 draw with Rennes.
Atlético are prepared to consider offers from clubs abroad, while Arsenal have also shown interest, but Álvarez has reportedly rejected the Premier League champions.
With Atlético refusing to negotiate, Barcelona now face a huge choice to meet the €500 million release clause or abandon their pursuit.