Joan Laporta has confirmed that Barcelona submitted a formal offer for Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez during his inauguration speech for a third presidential term at the Spotify Camp Nou on 1 July. The Catalan club reportedly tabled a bid in the region of €100 million, rising to €130 million with variables, though Atlético have declined to enter negotiations.
Laporta revealed that sporting director Deco presented the proposal directly to the Rojiblancos, who acknowledged receipt but refused to discuss terms. The Atlético leadership indicated that they would not consider the sale without first securing a replacement forward, a condition Laporta appeared to accept. “I told them that if they had an alternative, the offer was firm,” the Barcelona president stated.
Conflicting Accounts
However, Atlético president Enrique Cerezo has publicly contradicted Laporta’s version of events. Speaking to RNE, Cerezo insisted that the club “has no offer from anyone” and maintained that they have no intention of selling the Argentine international regardless. This direct conflict between the two club leaders leaves the actual status of negotiations unclear.
Atlético’s reluctance to deal stems from structural concerns rather than purely financial ones. With Robert Lewandowski’s departure leaving a vacancy in Barcelona’s attack, the Catalans are seeking a new centre-forward, but Atlético similarly lack an alternative striker to replace Álvarez. Laporta acknowledged this constraint, noting that his club is not in “desperate buying mode” despite the need to reinforce the position.
Release Clause and Previous Interest
The Madrid club’s negotiating position is bolstered by Álvarez’s €500 million release clause. They have already demonstrated their resolve by rejecting a €150 million bid from Real Madrid earlier in the window, suggesting they will not entertain offers near standard market valuation.
The situation is further complicated by Atlético’s threat to report Barcelona to UEFA and FIFA over alleged pressure on the player. Laporta dismissed this suggestion with scepticism, remarking: “This business about going to UEFA and FIFA, I don’t know where that comes from.” The Argentina international has previously made public statements expressing desire to join “a big team,” though Laporta noted that Álvarez did not specifically mention Barcelona.
Limited Window of Opportunity
Despite the impasse, Laporta indicated that Barcelona’s proposal remains active but time-limited. “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,” he warned. This suggests the Catalan giants are prepared to withdraw from the pursuit if Atlético do not identify a suitable replacement and open formal talks within a specific timeframe.
The standoff leaves Álvarez in limbo as the two clubs maintain incompatible public positions. While Barcelona wait for Atlético to find a striker, the Metropolitano hierarchy appear determined to retain their forward unless an astronomical offer triggers his half-billion euro clause.