Julián Álvarez Transfer Saga: Atlético CEO Blasts His Advisers and Refuses to Sell

The Club Stands Firm

Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, CEO of Atlético de Madrid, has once again made it clear that Julián Álvarez is not on the market. In statements to the Spanish news agency EFE, the executive said: "We are going to help Julián and we will continue to take care of him so he can give us all his potential, because we need him to keep competing among Europe's elite."

The Spanish executive not only confirmed the club's unwavering stance but also took aim at the footballer's inner circle: "We must understand that Julián hasn't had the best advisers regarding his professional career in recent months," he said, referring to the player's public statement during the 2026 World Cup when he requested a transfer.

The Battle with Barcelona and Real Madrid

The saga began weeks ago when Barcelona and Real Madrid both tried to secure the services of the Cordoba-born forward. Atlético rejected all offers and reminded interested parties that his release clause stands at a whopping €500 million. Gil Marín was harsh on the interested clubs: "We cannot allow other clubs and their affiliated media to decide what we should do, set our sporting strategy, and disrespect us."

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Álvarez informed the club of his desire to join Barcelona on May 25, and he reportedly won't consider any alternative. Arsenal also inquired about him, but the player turned down the English option because he only wants to play for the Catalan side.

Fan Anger and Simeone's Stance

Meanwhile, tension is growing in the stands. At the Ciudad Deportiva training complex in Majadahonda, banners have appeared with messages like "Julián Out" and his number 19 crossed out. In the season opener, the player wasn't even called up and received whistles from the crowd.

Coach Diego Simeone tried to calm the waters: "I think if the owner of the club spoke the way he did, there's nothing more to say. It's like in court. What he expressed is crystal clear. From a sporting perspective, we want to take care of the person so he continues to uphold the reputation he has," he said in a press conference.

What About the Contract?

Álvarez is under contract with Atlético until June 2030, and despite all the rumors, the club won't let him go. The transfer window closes on September 1, so this saga could stretch all the way to the deadline. Meanwhile, the striker continues training with his teammates and could be back in the squad for Sunday's match against Villarreal in Matchday 2 of La Liga.

The situation is uncomfortable for all parties: the player's value is at risk, the club is losing internal peace, and Simeone is caught in the middle. But contracts are meant to be respected, and Atlético doesn't seem willing to budge.