News Focus
- Atletico Madrid reject a €150m (£129m) offer from Real Madrid for striker Julian Alvarez
- The club mocks their rivals on social media, claiming they cause more laughter than Barcelona
- Alvarez’s contract runs until 2030 and includes a €500m (£431m) release clause
- Real Madrid president Florentino Perez promised a record ‘galactico’ signing after winning re-election
- The bid exceeds any previous transfer fee paid by the Spanish giants
Atletico Madrid have publicly ridiculed their city rivals following the rejection of a historic €150m bid for forward Julian Alvarez. The club’s official social media team took to X to poke fun at the offer, suggesting the Madrid giants provide more comedy than Barcelona.
The La Liga champions confirmed they received the proposal, which would have set a new club record. However, Atletico quickly dismissed the deal. They pointed to the Argentine striker’s massive €500m buy-out clause and reminded everyone of his long-term contract that extends to 2030.
In a sharp online post, Atletico wrote: “You appear to confuse education with gratitude, but we thank you for nothing. We do not study or consider any proposal for Julian. How could we fail to get along when you make us laugh even more than Barcelona?” The message also referenced previous tensions regarding youth academy players.
This incident follows a similar episode in May when Atletico accused Barcelona of spreading false information during their attempt to sign the same player.
The huge bid comes after Florentino Perez secured re-election as Real president. During his campaign, he vowed to secure a superstar signing immediately after winning. This promise followed his rival Enrique Riquelme’s pledge to bring Erling Haaland to the club, which involved displaying a shirt with the striker’s name.
Perez later spoke to Spanish television station Horizonte. The 79-year-old confirmed he would present an offer worth around €150m to a major Champions League club. He ruled out moves for Michael Olise, Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland. He also confirmed the target is not from the Premier League and plays in midfield with attacking qualities.
The president’s return is also expected to lead to Jose Mourinho becoming manager. Interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa will depart. Additionally, the club plans to announce deals for defenders Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries.