Atlético de Madrid have closed the door on any chance of Julián Álvarez joining Barcelona this summer. Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, the club’s CEO, made it clear on Friday that the club will not accept 100, 150, or even 200 million euros for the Argentine striker, whose contract runs until 2030 and includes a €500 million release clause. The Rojiblancos, currently fourth in La Liga with 69 points from 38 games and 21 wins, are holding firm: Álvarez is not for sale.

What did Gil Marín say about Julián Álvarez?

Gil Marín took aim at Joan Laporta and FC Barcelona for pushing an offer the Catalan club had already called "non-infinite". The Atlético executive fired back: "Our answer is infinite: we do not want to transfer him". The Madrid side, which finished last season with a 62-44 goal difference (+18), stressed that Álvarez is central to their plans. "I have no doubt that Atlético de Madrid is the perfect place for Julián - he’s the ideal striker for us," Gil Marín said.

The CEO also criticized Barcelona’s tactics: "I know enough about their inner circle to see they act toward the media and fans as part of their own media circus." Gil Marín added that he had personally asked Laporta to back off, but the Catalan club persists because it "fuels the media and social game." Their last result, a 5-1 loss to Villarreal on May 24, 2026, underlines why they need players like Álvarez.

Player and agent pressure

Julián Álvarez, an Argentina international, sparked controversy after the 2026 World Cup by saying "the best for everyone is a transfer" and that he wants to join Barcelona. Atlético de Madrid, however, alleged that these remarks were encouraged by his agent, Fernando Hidalgo, to pressure the club. Gil Marín stressed that the club will not yield to pressure from the player or his entourage. The Argentine, under contract until 2030, remains a key piece for a side chasing trophies despite sitting 25 points behind league leaders Barcelona.

What’s next for Julián and Atlético?

The club insists the dream of every Rojiblanco fan - and its own - is to see Julián Álvarez score goals and win titles in Madrid. Gil Marín closed with a blunt message: "Julián will not play for Barcelona next season." Meanwhile, the team gears up for its next match, a home game against Villarreal on August 23, 2026, after a patchy run of form (3W-0D-2L in their last five). Atlético, third in the table, remains steadfast in its project with Julián as its spearhead.

The Madrid club, which already turned down offers from Real Madrid and Barcelona this summer, is crystal clear: "We do not want to transfer him" - period.