Softfootball can confirm that Atlético Madrid are maintaining a firm stance amid growing speculation surrounding Julián Álvarez and a potential summer move to FC Barcelona.
In comments shared by transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano via his official x handle, Atlético director of football Mateu Alemany categorically denied any discussions.
Fabrizio posted:
Atlético Madrid director Mateu Alemany on Julián Àlvarez and Barça links: “He’s our player and we didn’t speak to any club”. “We didn’t speak to Barça about Julián. Not to candidates to be new president, or pre-candidates, no one”.
Barcelona are understood to admire Álvarez as a potential long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski, but significant financial hurdles and Atlético’s determination to retain the forward represent major obstacles. Los Rojiblancos are also planning to extend the 2022 World Cup winner’s current contract, which runs until 2030.
Álvarez recently celebrated his 26th birthday, continuing what has become an increasingly influential spell in Madrid. Since joining Atlético, he has scored 24 goals in 57 La Liga appearances, establishing himself as a key figure in the club’s attacking structure.
His impact has been particularly notable in high-profile fixtures, including a hat-trick in the Madrid derby that secured victory in the first league meeting of the season.
He also played a role in Atlético’s emphatic 4–0 Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg triumph against Barcelona a devastating first-half display in which he even came close to adding a fifth goal.
With Atlético determined to build around Álvarez and formal talks with Barcelona emphatically ruled out, the Argentine appears firmly embedded in Diego Simeone’s long-term project despite continued transfer speculation.
