Barcelona’s pursuit of Julián Álvarez has reached a standoff: Joan Laporta says the club’s offer remains available, while Atlético Madrid have told him they aren’t planning to sell. Laporta’s comments make clear that Barcelona are determined to try, but they don’t suggest an agreement is close.
Barcelona’s offer and Atlético’s position
Barcelona want Álvarez to lead their attack after Robert Lewandowski joined Chicago Fire on a free transfer when his contract expired. The Argentina international has been linked with a move away from Atlético and said last week, after a 2-0 World Cup win over Austria, that leaving could be the right step as he seeks to “fulfil his dream.” He didn’t name a club, though Barcelona are widely understood to be the destination he has in mind.
Laporta said Barcelona sporting director Deco made a club-to-club offer, reported as €100 million, and that he had discussed the approach directly with Atlético. The Madrid club rejected the bid and cited Álvarez’s €500 million release clause. Laporta’s account suggests Atlético’s refusal is tied to not having a replacement lined up.
“They received the offer and told us they weren't planning to sell because they had no alternative,” Laporta said in comments carried by Mundo Deportivo. “I told them that if they did have an alternative, the offer remained on the table.”
Laporta was careful to frame the proposal as respectful of Atlético, naming club president Enrique Cerezo and chief executive Gil Marin. He said Barcelona had been tracking Álvarez before the striker joined Manchester City in 2022, but couldn’t afford the transfer at that point.
“We will stand firm for as long as we deem necessary, but we won't be at the mercy of what Atletico might decide on this matter,” Laporta said. “They know our intentions, and if they want to proceed, we would be delighted.”
Laporta questions Atlético’s public response
Atlético mocked Barcelona on social media after the offer, a reaction Laporta said surprised him. He maintained that Álvarez’s remarks about wanting a change came from the player himself, not from Barcelona, and pointed out that the striker never explicitly mentioned the Catalan club.
“The tweets were made before Julian stated that his dream was to play for a big team; he never mentioned Barca,” Laporta said. “Some have interpreted it as referring to Barca, and others haven't.”
He also said Atlético hadn’t told Barcelona directly that they would never sell. Laporta described the club as inflexible so far, but left the door open to further discussion and said Barcelona would keep the offer in place for as long as they considered it worthwhile.
Laporta cited a long history of deals between Barcelona and Atlético as evidence that the clubs can reach an agreement, while acknowledging this transfer is particularly sensitive. “I hope they reconsider and somehow accept this offer,” he said. “If they don't, they should communicate it again, and we'll see what we do.”
For now, Barcelona’s interest is plain, but Atlético control the next move. Whether the offer changes—or Álvarez’s situation shifts the club’s position—will determine if Laporta’s public confidence can turn into a transfer.
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