Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez has openly said he wants to leave the club and join Barcelona, setting off a major dispute between the Spanish rivals. Speaking to ESPN shortly after Argentina’s win over Austria in Dallas on Monday night, the 26-year-old said, “I think the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfill my dream.” He added, “It is not the ideal time to talk about it, but I also cannot hide. I try to be an honest person, and I have already spoken with the people at the club, with whoever I had to speak to.”
His remarks come after weeks of rumors and have turned a possible transfer into a legal and financial fight. Barcelona, according to Catalan radio reports, is preparing an improved bid of 120 million to 130 million euros after an earlier 100 million euro offer was ignored by Atlético. Atlético, however, insists it will not sell for anything below Álvarez’s 500 million euro release clause. The club had also rejected a 150 million euro bid from Real Madrid, which was reportedly intended to disrupt Barcelona’s plans.
Atlético’s leadership is now threatening to take the matter to FIFA’s legal bodies, alleging Barcelona held illegal talks with a player under contract until 2030. The Madrid club recalled the 2019 Antoine Griezmann saga and accused Barcelona of using the same tactics. Club sources said, “We are not going to stay silent this time. We will keep Julián with us even if he does not play.”
Spanish pundits, including Jota Jordi, believe Álvarez has burned his bridges with Atlético supporters, and videos online showed fans burning his shirt. Jordi said Álvarez could even refuse to train, adding that his market value would drop if he stayed against his will. Barcelona is expected to use the public statement to push Atlético down in price in the coming weeks.
