Atletico Madrid reportedly demand EUR500 million for Julian Alvarez from Barcelona
Madrid, June 23
Atletico Madrid have reportedly told Barcelona to pay EUR500 million if they want to sign Argentine striker Julian Alvarez, amid growing transfer speculation surrounding the forward, according to FotMob.
Following Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 win over Austria, Alvarez hinted at his desire to leave Atletico Madrid, triggering fresh interest in his services ahead of the summer transfer window.
Alvarez joined Atletico in 2024 from Manchester City and has since been in impressive form, scoring 49 goals in 106 appearances under Diego Simeone. He has outscored all his teammates over the last two seasons.
The 26-year-old has recorded 66 goal contributions, 18 more than Antoine Griezmann during the same period, making him a key figure in Atletico's attack since the 2024-25 campaign.
Barcelona have long been linked with a move for the Argentine forward, while Real Madrid previously submitted a EUR150 million bid, which was rejected.
However, in light of Alvarez's recent comments, Atletico have strongly responded to Barcelona's interest. In a statement reported by Spanish outlet AS, club sources said as quoted by FotMob, "We've seen how Barcelona operates in the past. There is no amount Barcelona can pay for Julian, and he will not be transferred to Barcelona."
The club further added that the only possible route for Barcelona would be the activation of his full release clause. "Either they pay the EUR500m release clause or nothing."
Atletico also suggested potential legal action against Barcelona over the matter. Alvarez, meanwhile, addressed the situation in an interview with ESPN, saying, "I can't hide, nor act as if I don't want to be clear, I'm trying to be honest. I spoke with people at Atletico, and I think the best thing for everyone involved is for me to leave. "I want to fulfil my dream."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I think Alvarez deserves a move. He's been phenomenal for Atletico, but Barca's financial crisis is well-known. They can barely afford their own players these days. EUR500 million is just posturing - Atletico knows no one's paying that. But good for them for standing their ground. Football transfers have become insane.
Kal ka khel hai yeh! Transfer window drama is always entertaining. But Atletico threatening legal action against Barca? That's next level. Alvarez saying he wants to "fulfill his dream" - probably means winning UCL with Barca. But EUR500m release clause is impossible. Maybe he should look at Premier League clubs - they have the money. Chelsea or United could make a move.
I love how Atletico is being so blunt with Barca. "There is no amount Barcelona can pay" - that's a proper power move! 😂 Alvarez is clearly fed up with Simeone's defensive tactics. He wants to play free-flowing football at Camp Nou. But honestly, with 66 goal contributions in two seasons, he's worth a lot - just not half a billion euros. Let's see how this unfolds.
Yaar, Alvarez ka interview padha? He literally said "I want to fulfil my dream" - that's a transfer request if I've ever seen one! Atletico is being stubborn but I get it. You don't let your best player go to a direct rival, especially not after Real Madrid already bid €150m and got rejected. Barca should focus on their own youngsters like Lamine Yamal instead of chasing expensive Argentinians. Common sense ki bhi hadd hoti hai!
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