Atlético de Madrid CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has issued a clear message to FC Barcelona, asserting in a YouTube interview released Friday that the club will not sell Julián Alvarez, even for €200 million. This statement comes just two days before Alvarez and the Argentina national team face Spain in the FIFA World Cup final.
Gil Draws the Line on Laporta’s Pursuit
In a 15-minute interview on Atlético’s official channel, Gil confirmed that the club rejected a €100 million offer, stating that bids of €150 million or €200 million would be met with the same refusal. He emphasized that Atlético sees Alvarez as the ideal centre-forward for their project and has no plans to part ways with him, regardless of any financial proposals.
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Gil also addressed comments made by Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who indicated from New York on Thursday that he would explore other options if Atlético continued to decline his offers. Gil’s response urged Laporta to stop his persistence and suggested that the Barcelona president relishes the media attention the situation creates, while knowing that Alvarez will not be joining Barcelona next season.
The timing of Gil’s statements appears to be intentional, coinciding with Laporta’s public remarks and reinforcing Atlético’s commitment to keeping Alvarez. Reports from Football España indicate that Barcelona’s pressure continues as the summer transfer window progresses, making Gil’s statements even more significant.
Alvarez’s Agent in the Firing Line
Gil also directed his attention towards Fernando Hidalgo, Alvarez’s agent, accusing him of providing poor advice since the season ended. Alvarez’s public transfer request, made on the same day Lionel Messi broke the World Cup goals record, was met with criticism in both Argentina and Spain, with many viewing it as ill-timed and overshadowing a momentous occasion for Argentine football.
Gil clarified that his critique of Hidalgo does not extend to Alvarez, expressing full confidence in the player’s character and professionalism. The club sees the agent as the creator of this unwanted scenario. Atlético has already lodged a formal complaint with FIFA and RFEF, alleging that Hidalgo had engaged in improper negotiations with Barcelona during the protected period before transfer windows.
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These comments align with similar remarks from club chairman Enrique Cerezo, who expressed a unified message from both men, representing the stance of Atlético’s ownership group, Apollo Sports Capital, which shows no inclination to negotiate.
Arsenal in the Picture, Alvarez Expected Back in Madrid
In addition to Barcelona, Premier League champions Arsenal have shown interest in Alvarez, adding further pressure to Atlético’s stance. While Gil did not specifically mention Arsenal, his messages from Friday’s interview apply to all potential suitors. According to Atlético’s planning for this summer progresses with the assumption that Alvarez will remain part of the squad, exploring alternatives rather than replacements.
The club’s plan is straightforward: Alvarez will return to Madrid after his post-World Cup holiday and join pre-season training. The formal complaint filed with FIFA regarding Hidalgo’s alleged contact with Barcelona, alongside Barcelona’s aggressive pursuit, which reportedly includes personal outreach from coach Hansi Flick, will likely influence whether Laporta looks for alternatives or continues pushing into the autumn.