Atlético Madrid rule out Álvarez sale to Barcelona after Laporta’s transfer comments

Abdullateef Fowewe

Atlético Madrid have forcefully dismissed any prospect of selling Julián Álvarez to Barcelona this summer, insisting there is “0% chance” of a deal as tensions rise following public remarks from Barça president Joan Laporta.

Laporta had said Barcelona remain keen on the Argentine forward and would be prepared to complete a transfer if Atlético were open to negotiating.

“Let Atlético Madrid know that, if they are willing to sell Julián Álvarez during this summer transfer window, we would be ready to buy him.

“This provided we can reach an agreement around the offer we have made to them,” he said.

The Barcelona president added, “We are still very interested in Julián Álvarez. We would like our offer to be accepted, and we are doing so with the utmost respect for Atlético de Madrid.”

However, Atlético’s response was uncompromising. The club said the debate had gone beyond the financial terms of a potential transfer and had become a matter of principle.

“The player is being victimized, but the only victim of the Julián case is us,” Atlético said in comments reported by Marca.

“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. There is 0% chance of selling him to Barça.”

Atlético also accused unnamed parties of driving a misleading narrative around the player’s future, adding, “There’s a campaign with many lies and half-truths. The only one who pays for this is Atlético.”

The remarks significantly escalate a summer-long saga surrounding Álvarez, who has reportedly indicated a desire to leave, while Atlético have continued to publicly maintain that the forward is not for sale.

Barcelona’s interest in the versatile Argentina international now appears set to collide with Atlético’s hard-line stance, leaving any move between the two La Liga rivals highly unlikely.