Joan Laporta has confirmed that Barcelona submitted a formal offer for Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez, though the Madrid club have refused to enter negotiations and reportedly will not engage directly with the Barcelona president.
Speaking during his inauguration for a third presidential term at the Spotify Camp Nou on 1 July, Laporta revealed that sporting director Deco presented a bid understood to be in the region of €100 million, potentially rising to €130 million with variables. Atlético acknowledged receipt but declined to discuss terms, citing the absence of a replacement striker.
Conflicting Versions
The status of negotiations remains unclear following contradictory statements from the two club leaders. While Laporta insisted the offer was formally received, Atlético president Enrique Cerezo told RNE that the club “has no offer from anyone” and maintains no intention of selling the Argentine international.
This confusion follows claims by journalist Roberto Gómez that Atlético will not negotiate specifically with Laporta, allegedly refusing to take his calls regarding the 26-year-old. Gómez characterised Barcelona’s approach as “blackmail,” suggesting the Catalan club negotiated with Álvarez’s entourage behind Atlético’s back on up to six occasions rather than approaching the club directly.
FIFA Complaint and Valuation Standoff
Atlético have escalated the dispute by filing a formal complaint with FIFA over alleged improper approaches to the player, who is under contract until 2030 with a €500 million release clause. Laporta dismissed suggestions of reporting the matter to UEFA, stating: “This business about going to UEFA and FIFA, I don’t know where that comes from.”
The Madrid club have already demonstrated their resolve by rejecting a €150 million cash bid from Real Madrid earlier in the window. They now demand €150 million in cash without player exchanges or deferred payments for Álvarez—significantly above Barcelona’s reported valuation. Gómez asserts that Barcelona lack the economic capacity to meet this requirement.
Limited Window for Agreement
Despite the impasse, Laporta indicated Barcelona’s proposal remains active but time-limited. “I told them that if they had an alternative, the offer was firm,” he stated. “We will keep it firm for as long as we consider appropriate, but we will not be at the mercy of what Atlético may decide.”
The standoff leaves Álvarez in limbo as Barcelona seek to reinforce their attack following Robert Lewandowski’s departure, while Atlético retain a forward they signed from Manchester City for approximately €75 million plus variables. Unless Barcelona substantially increase their bid or Atlético identify a suitable replacement, the Argentine appears set to remain at the Metropolitano.