Atlético Madrid Rule Out Julián Alvarez Transfer to Barcelona

Atlético Madrid chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has ruled out negotiating the sale of Julián Alvarez to Barcelona, sharpening a public dispute between the two La Liga clubs. The Guardian reported that Gil Marín made the declaration to Spanish broadcaster Movistar Plus on Thursday, one day after Barcelona president Joan Laporta said his club remained interested in the Argentina forward.

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Gil Marín said Atlético’s position had support throughout the club, including from shareholders and directors. Atlético’s board also unanimously backed that stance on Thursday, according to the report, with the club giving no consideration to talks with Barcelona before the summer transfer window closes. His message was categorical: Alvarez would not be transferred to the Catalan club.

The Atlético executive also accused Barcelona of behaving without sufficient ethics, transparency or professionalism in its pursuit. Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste rejected that criticism in his own interview with Movistar, describing Gil Marín’s comments as disrespectful and saying Atlético had crossed a “red line.”

Alvarez’s future has become a significant issue in Madrid after the 26-year-old publicly expressed a wish to leave. While with Argentina at the World Cup this summer, the former Manchester City forward said he wanted to fulfil his dream by departing Atlético. He was then booed by some home supporters during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal.

Gil Marín said the situation had left Alvarez confused and going through a difficult period personally and professionally. He nevertheless praised the forward as a strong professional and made clear that his preferred outcome is for Alvarez to remain with Atlético beyond the transfer deadline.

That preference did not amount to an absolute refusal to consider any departure. Gil Marín said Atlético would seek an alternative if Alvarez concluded that staying was no longer feasible, preserving some uncertainty around the player’s overall future. He drew a firm distinction, however, between a possible solution elsewhere and negotiations with Barcelona, which Atlético says it will not entertain.