Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken publicly about the collapsed Julián Álvarez transfer, sharply criticising Atlético Madrid’s behaviour throughout the saga and insisting the Catalan club “saw their true colors”.
Laporta revealed that Barcelona followed normal procedures, holding talks between both clubs before he personally spoke with Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín. According to Laporta, Atlético’s reaction afterwards was unjustified and unexpectedly hostile.
Here is Laporta’s full statement:
Atlético have showed true colors. They acted as though they were the offended party, they had no way of justifying their attitude. We did what is normally done as there were talks between the clubs, then I personally spoke with Gil Marín.”
He told me Julián wasn’t coming because they didn’t have an alternative… and then Atlético reacted inappropriately. I do not know what caused it. I can imagine why, but I have no proof.
We were hearing reports that they would sell to anyone in the world except Barça. And that’s the case… they were actually ready to sell Julián to any club in the world, but not to us.
It’s already the past, we’re now very happy with our squad.
Softfootball Insight: Why the Deal Collapsed
The highly publicised transfer saga between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid broke down after a fierce exchange of statements and structural disagreements.
Atlético’s Hardline Stance
Atlético Madrid made it clear there was “0% chance” of selling Álvarez to Barcelona as CEO Gil Marín and senior officials cited “dignity”, accusing Barça of unprofessional behaviour and insisting they would not strengthen a direct La Liga rival.
Financial Gap
Barcelona reportedly submitted an offer around €100 million, structured across multiple instalments. Atlético rejected it outright, refusing to negotiate and pointing strictly to Álvarez’s €500 million release clause.
Rivalry Factor
Softfootball understands Atlético were willing to sell Álvarez to any club in the world except Barcelona, a stance rooted in competitive rivalry and internal club politics.
Laporta insists the matter is now closed and that Barcelona are “very happy” with their current squad, but the saga highlights the deep tensions between the two clubs and the complexities of negotiating transfers within La Liga.
