Atlético Madrid has intensified its public frustration with FC Barcelona over ongoing speculation surrounding Julián Álvarez, issuing a strong statement accusing the Catalan club of disrespectful behavior and attempting to unsettle one of its key players.
After initially responding with sarcasm on social media, Atlético doubled down in comments made to Mundo Deportivo, insisting that the issue goes far beyond humor and revealing the depth of their anger toward Barcelona.
“It may seem like a joke or humor, but this is very serious,” Atlético reportedly said in a statement to the outlet. “We’ve been very angry with FC Barcelona for quite some time. It was done ironically to hold up a mirror to the Catalan club and show what they’re doing.”
The Madrid club had recently mocked transfer rumors through a string of sarcastic posts, joking about fictional offers involving concert tickets, subscriptions, and sunflower seeds. However, Atlético now claims the humor was designed to send a clear message after months of frustration over transfer narratives involving Julián Álvarez.
According to the statement, Atlético believes Barcelona and sections of the media have actively fueled speculation around the Argentine forward through leaks and public pressure.
“Fabrizio Romano’s messages, news from Barcelona journalists, situations where [Enrique] Cerezo goes to Barcelona for lunch and gets ambushed with inappropriate questions about negotiating with [Joan] Laporta over Julián, questions directed at our players in the mixed zone,” the statement read.
Atlético also alleged that media attention surrounding private meetings had crossed boundaries.
“A dinner is organized in Barcelona and El Chiringuito is tipped off so they can go and film Juanma López leaving the restaurant,” the club claimed.
Perhaps most notably, Atlético insisted no formal approach had been made for Álvarez despite reports suggesting otherwise.
“An offer is leaked and said that it has been sent, but nothing has arrived here at Atlético. This is OVER,” the statement continued. “We’re very angry, and this was our way of showing it.”
The club made its stance on Álvarez crystal clear, emphasizing that the player remains central to their long term plans and is protected contractually.
“What’s clear is that Atlético holds all the cards,” the statement added. “The player is protected by a €500 million release clause and has a long term contract until 2030.”
“We’re delighted with him. He has a long contract, he’s fully protected, and we’re counting on him for next season.”
Atlético also warned that any potential move for Álvarez would be virtually impossible under standard transfer negotiations, stressing that his release clause would need to be paid in full.
“Julián cannot be signed through a fixed fee paid over several years plus add ons,” the statement said. “It’s €500 million in cash that would have to be deposited at La Liga headquarters.”
While Atlético confirmed it has not yet considered breaking relations with Barcelona, the club warned it will no longer tolerate situations it believes undermine one of its players.
The statement concluded with a pointed criticism of Barcelona’s alleged handling of the situation, particularly regarding communication channels.
“If Barcelona had done things the proper way, the agent would have nothing to do with it. But if you bypass the club, then you’re not doing things as you should,” Atlético said.
“Agents live from this. It’s normal, it’s what they usually do because it’s their job. The problem is Barcelona.”
With tensions now spilling publicly into the open, the relationship between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona appears increasingly strained as transfer speculation surrounding Julián Álvarez continues to dominate headlines.
