Joan Laporta has confirmed that Barcelona submitted a formal offer for Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez during his investiture speech on 1 July. The Barcelona president stated that sporting director Deco presented the proposal directly to the Madrid club, who acknowledged receipt but declined to enter negotiations.
Laporta explained the refusal by noting Atlético cited a lack of alternative strikers as their primary obstacle. “Les dije que si tenían alternativa, la oferta era firme,” Laporta told supporters at the Auditori 1899, adding that the proposal would remain active “el tiempo que consideremos, pero no estaremos a expensas de lo que pueda decidir el Atlético.”
Conflicting Narratives Emerge
The Barcelona president’s account contrasts sharply with statements from Atlético president Enrique Cerezo, who publicly denied receiving any formal offer. This contradiction underscores the deteriorating relationship between the clubs, which has now spilled into regulatory territory.
Atlético have filed a formal complaint with FIFA regarding Barcelona’s conduct in their pursuit of Álvarez. Laporta dismissed the threat, remarking, “Esto de ir a la UEFA y a la FIFA no sé a qué viene,” though the dispute has effectively frozen diplomatic channels. Journalist Roberto Gómez subsequently claimed Atlético will refuse to negotiate directly with Laporta, alleging the Catalan club approached the player’s representatives without consulting the Madrid side first.
Financial Stalemate
Barcelona’s offer is understood to fall in the €100–135 million range, significantly below Atlético’s reported demand for €150 million in cash without player exchanges or deferred payments. These figures remain distant from Álvarez’s €500 million release clause, which the Spanish-Argentine forward is contracted to until 2030.
The financial gap appears insurmountable without a shift in stance. Real Madrid previously saw a €150 million bid rejected, suggesting Atlético are maintaining consistent valuation standards regardless of the interested party. While Barcelona have explored potential player exchanges involving Ferran Torres or Marc Casadó, Atlético’s preference for liquid funds complicates any structural compromise.
Player’s Position and Next Steps
Álvarez has privately expressed a desire to leave the Metropolitano, creating internal pressure that Barcelona hopes will force Atlético’s hand. Laporta admitted the club requires striker reinforcements following Robert Lewandowski’s departure, though he tempered expectations by stating they are not in “desperate” buying mode.
Atlético maintain publicly that the forward is not for sale. However, reports suggest factions within the Madrid hierarchy may view a sale favourably if the guaranteed fee exceeds €130 million, weighing the economic benefit against the cost of retaining a discontented player. For now, the impasse persists, with Atlético’s FIFA complaint adding a layer of institutional hostility that may delay any resolution until regulatory clarity emerges.