Atlético Strikes Again Against Barcelona for Julián!

Atlético de Madrid has decided not to negotiate the transfer of Julián Álvarez to Barcelona, a stance that was unanimously supported by its Board of Directors on Thursday. The Madrid club affirms that there will be no discussions with the Blaugrana entity regarding the forward. The forward line of Barça's transfer market is closed, at least until January.

Atlético de Madrid supports its decision with a statement

The Board of Directors of Atlético de Madrid believes that the operation with Barcelona does not meet the criteria the club demands for any negotiations in the market. For this reason, the club keeps the door closed for Álvarez to move to the Catalan team.

The decision comes a day after Joan Laporta confirmed that Barcelona maintains interest in the Argentine and that their offer remains on the table until the market closes. The Barcelona president publicly stated that his club aims to reach an agreement with Atlético.

The rojiblanco club's statement establishes a distinction between the willingness to negotiate in the market and the specific case of Álvarez. Atlético asserts that it is open to engaging in operations with other clubs under certain criteria but excludes Barcelona from that possibility.

The institutional stance is not limited to the sports management. The Board of Directors has fully endorsed the adopted strategy, reinforcing Atlético de Madrid's position as the transfer market's final days approach.

Unanimous support from the Board of Directors for the club's strategy.

The transfer of Julián Alvarez to FC Barcelona will not be negotiated.

ℹ️ https://t.co/JvIMjddRvd

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) August 27, 2026

Julián Álvarez caught in the middle of the conflict

Julián Álvarez, 26 years old, joined Atlético de Madrid in 2024 from Manchester City and is under contract until 2030. Since his arrival, he has played 107 matches, scoring 49 goals and providing 17 assists, according to data collected by Reuters.

The situation escalated after Álvarez expressed his desire over the summer to change clubs, with Barcelona being one of his preferred options. Meanwhile, Barcelona has publicly reiterated its intention to finalize the deal before the transfer window closes.

Atlético de Madrid has maintained its position of not considering a transfer to Barcelona and trusts that the player can accept the decision and remain focused on the team. The club has also rejected reducing the matter solely to an economic figure.

Price is no longer the sole factor

Recent reports indicated that Atlético had set €150 million as a reference for a potential transfer, with a deadline set for June 20. Subsequently, Barcelona reportedly presented a €100 million offer, which the rojiblanco entity did not accept.

In addition to Barcelona, Arsenal emerges as another alternative linked to Julián Álvarez's future, although the forward's preference for Barcelona complicates that path. Meanwhile, Atlético remains firm in refusing to negotiate with Barça.

Atlético de Madrid faces the final days of the market

Atlético de Madrid's decision comes as the market nears its end, following several public episodes regarding Álvarez's future. Barcelona continues to show interest, but the Madrid club's new statement clarifies that there will be no negotiation between the two entities for the forward.

Now, the next step is subject to the market's closure: Atlético de Madrid must manage Julián Álvarez's continuity while Barcelona explores other avenues or maintains its position until the transfer window ends.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ¡El Atlético arremete de nuevo contra el Barcelona por Julián!