News Focus
- Real Madrid have seen a €150 million offer for striker Julian Alvarez rejected by city rivals Atletico Madrid
- The approach came after Florentino Perez won re-election as Real Madrid president on Sunday
- Atletico dismissed the bid by citing the player’s €500 million release clause before mocking their neighbours on social media
- The Spanish giants also confirmed Jose Mourinho will replace Alvaro Arbeloa as head coach
- Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 and scored 20 goals last season
Real Madrid’s attempt to sign Argentine forward Julian Alvarez from local rivals Atletico Madrid has ended in failure. The European champions tabled a bid worth €150 million (£130 million). However, Atletico turned down the offer immediately.
Club president Florentino Perez had promised to pursue a “galactico” signing if he secured another term in office. He won re-election last weekend. The bid for Alvarez was his attempt to fulfil that campaign pledge.
Atletico dismissed the proposal through an official statement. They pointed to Alvarez’s release clause, which stands at €500 million (£430 million). The club then took to social media platform X to mock their neighbours. They posted laughing emojis alongside Real Madrid’s official statement. A follow-up message accused Real of confusing “education with gratitude” and insisted they would not consider any offer for the player.
The 26-year-old striker joined Atletico from Manchester City last year. The deal cost £81.5 million. He found the net 20 times in 49 matches during his first campaign. His performances helped the club reach the Champions League semi-finals and finish fourth in La Liga.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid confirmed that head coach Alvaro Arbeloa will leave his post. The former defender took charge in January. He replaced Xabi Alonso but will depart after a season without trophies.
Jose Mourinho is expected to succeed him. The Portuguese manager has signed a three-year contract. He previously led Real between 2010 and 2013. His appointment was a key promise in Perez’s election campaign. The club issued a statement thanking Arbeloa for his service and loyalty.