Atlético Madrid have responded strongly to Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s comments regarding Julián Álvarez, making it clear that the Argentine forward will not be sold to the Catalan club.
In a statement, Atlético said:
The player is being victimized, but the only victim of the Julián case is us.
The Madrid club also insisted there is “0% chance” of Álvarez joining Barcelona, stressing that the situation has moved beyond financial considerations.
They have harmed us economically and socially. There is 0% chance of selling him to Barça. This situation is not about money, it’s about dignity.
Atlético also accused Barcelona of creating a campaign containing “many lies and half-truths” and argued that the club is ultimately the one suffering from the situation.
The firm stance comes after Laporta publicly addressed Álvarez’s situation, with Barcelona continuing to show interest in signing the Argentine.
Softfootball reported three days ago that Álvarez was booed by Atlético supporters during their 2-2 draw with Villarreal. The forward was jeered while warming up before receiving an even stronger reaction when he came on in the second half.
After Giuliano Simeone rescued a point for Atlético late on, Álvarez headed straight down the tunnel at full time, prompting another round of boos from the home supporters.
However, Atlético manager Diego Simeone later explained that Álvarez’s decision to leave the pitch separately had been agreed beforehand by the club.
With Atlético now refusing to negotiate with Barcelona, Álvarez’s options appear increasingly limited. Arsenal remain a possible alternative, while Atlético face the prospect of keeping an unhappy player who has a contract with the club.
At this stage, Atlético’s position is unequivocal: Álvarez will not be sold to Barcelona.
