Atletico Madrid are furious over reported Barcelona interest in Julian Alvarez and are considering a formal complaint to FIFA over alleged talks with a player still under contract. The dispute intensified after Argentina beat Austria 2-0 on Monday to reach the next stage of the 2026 World Cup, when Alvarez publicly said he wants to leave Atletico and told the club he had made his intentions clear.
Alvarez said, "A move would be the best thing for me. I want to keep fulfilling my dreams. I do not want to hide my wishes, I have made my intentions clear to Atletico's management." His remarks, and Barcelona's desire to sign him, sparked anger at Atletico, which lashed out at the Catalan club through the Spanish press.
Spanish newspaper AS reported that Atletico were enraged by the situation and maintained that there is no price at which Barcelona can buy Alvarez. Atletico then clarified that the striker has a release clause of 500 million euros, saying, "Either Alvarez pays his own release clause and leaves, or he is not going anywhere." The club also accused Barcelona of acting similarly in the past with Antoine Griezmann, including making promises to his family.
In Spain, it was also reported that Atletico is weighing a complaint to FIFA against Barcelona for negotiating with a contracted player. The saga may continue throughout the summer. Barcelona had previously made a 100 million euro offer that was rejected, and Real Madrid also reportedly made a formal 150 million euro bid that was turned down.
