Atlético Reject €100m Barcelona Bid for Julián Álvarez Amid FIFA Complaint

Atlético Madrid's Board of Directors unanimously voted to block the Julián Álvarez transfer to Barcelona despite a bid exceeding €100 million.

Atlético Madrid's Board of Directors unanimously voted on Thursday to reject all negotiations with Barcelona regarding the transfer of Julián Álvarez, despite a formal opening offer exceeding €100 million ($116m). The decision follows a 2-2 draw against Villarreal at the Metropolitano on Sunday, a match where Álvarez was jeered by home supporters after entering as a substitute. The 26-year-old Argentina forward has since been absent from Atlético training sessions on both Wednesday and Thursday, citing illness.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed on Wednesday that the club’s initial nine-figure bid remains on the table ahead of Monday's transfer deadline. However, Atlético officials have reported the Catalan club to both FIFA and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for allegedly tapping up the striker. The Madrid club stated that while they remain open to professional market negotiations, Barcelona failed to meet requirements for ethical and professional conduct.

Valuation and Rival Interest

While Barcelona remains Álvarez's preferred destination, Atlético may consider a deal with Arsenal, provided the English champions meet a valuation likely exceeding €150 million. Real Madrid previously claimed a failed attempt to sign the forward with a €150 million bid, while Paris Saint-Germain also expressed interest during this summer window. In June, Álvarez told ESPN that a transfer would be "best for all parties" to help him fulfill his dream of joining the Spanish champions.

Atlético insists the player must now focus on his performance objectives, noting he has already spent two seasons representing the club. The board's statement emphasized that no negotiations have occurred—nor will they occur—with Barcelona due to a lack of mutual respect. This stance leaves the Argentina international in limbo as the window enters its final days.

Barcelona's Striker Shortage

Barcelona identified Álvarez as their primary target to replace Robert Lewandowski, who departed Spotify Camp Nou for the Chicago Fire following the expiration of his contract. The urgency for a new No. 9 increased after Ferran Torres, Lewandowski's backup, completed a €50 million move to PSG earlier this month. If a deal for Álvarez is not reached by Monday, sources indicate Barcelona will likely delay signing a central striker until the January window.

During last weekend's 5-0 victory over Elche, Raphinha was deployed in a central role. The club is currently evaluating internal options to fill the void, including Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Antony Gordon, and Karim Adeyemi. Egyptian teenager Hamza Abdelkarim is also viewed as a potential central solution for the Catalan side if they fail to secure their top target.

Legal Disputes and Training Absences

Atlético’s formal complaints to FIFA and the RFEF center on the allegation that Barcelona contacted Álvarez before initiating talks between the two clubs. This legal friction has halted all communication between the LaLiga rivals. Despite the player's two-day absence from the training ground this week, Atlético maintains that Álvarez will remain a key part of their squad for the remainder of his contract. The club expects the forward to reintegrate once his reported illness subsides, regardless of the ongoing interest from London and Barcelona.