Atlético Madrid’s CEO, Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, has expressed his displeasure regarding Julián Álvarez‘s recent comments about wanting to leave the club. However, he emphasized that Atlético has no intention of selling him to Barcelona or any other team this summer.
Gil Marín is particularly irate with Barça, whom Atlético suspects of influencing Álvarez’s remarks. He stated that Atlético will lodge a complaint with FIFA regarding Barça’s pursuit of the Argentine forward.
After Argentina’s 2-0 World Cup victory over Austria, the 26-year-old revealed to ESPN that he had communicated his desire to leave to Atlético’s management.
“It was not an appropriate time for him to say such things; it was a day for [Lionel] Messi and the Argentine national team, not for Julián,” Gil Marín told EFE on Tuesday.
“While Julián dreams of a move, so do Atlético fans. He has communicated with us, but he knows our position clearly: Atleti does not wish to sell him.
“He is an exceptional player, and we take pride in having him on our team.”
The former Manchester City forward has not disclosed his preferred destination, although sources suggest he favors joining Barça.
Atlético holds Barça accountable for Álvarez’s public remarks and Gil Marín has stated they will take action against the La Liga champions for their approach towards a player under contract until 2030.
“Barça is showing us disrespect,” he added. “They act as if they can take advantage of us, believing we are weak and naive, but they reveal their true colors in their behavior.
“They mislead us, the player, and the media… even their own fans. They create the impression that they can secure a deal, which in reality, they cannot.
“This is not the first instance of Barça behaving in this manner, and the football community is well aware of it. Last year, they did something akin with Nico Williams and Athletic Club.
“Our duty is to protect Atlético Madrid’s interests. Thus, we will file a complaint with FIFA against Barça for negotiating with a player under contract during the designated protected period.”
According to sources from Barça, Atlético has been aware for some time, through private conversations between the clubs, of their interest in signing Álvarez.
Álvarez’s recent statements represent the latest development in what is likely to be one of the summer’s most discussed transfer sagas.
ESPN has previously reported that Barça, as well as Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, have shown interest in the Argentine striker, who transferred to Atleti from City in a deal worth up to €95 million ($109 million) in 2024.
Real Madrid has also displayed interest in Álvarez, who carries a release clause of €500 million ($572 million), and they announced earlier this month that a €150 million ($172 million) offer was rejected by city rivals Atlético.
Barça is eyeing Álvarez as a potential replacement for the departing Robert Lewandowski. Their initial offer in May, estimated at around €100 million ($114 million), sparked anger from Atlético.
In a series of social media responses, Atlético criticized Barça for “deliberate leaks, misinformation, and continuous disrespect,” and even issued mock offers for Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Raphinha.
When Madrid issued a statement claiming they had provided a €150 million ($172 million) bid weeks later, Atlético replied similarly, asserting they would neither “review nor consider” any offers for the player.
Still, it remains uncertain how their stance may evolve, especially with Arsenal and PSG keeping a close watch now that Álvarez has publicly stated his wish to leave.
“I don’t think it’s the right time to discuss this, but I also don’t want to hide,” Álvarez told ESPN’s Martín Arévalo on Monday.
“I strive to be straightforward. I have communicated with those at [Atlético] whom I needed to speak with. I believe a transfer would be best for everyone involved. I aspire to make my dream come true.”
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Since joining Atlético, Álvarez has netted 49 goals in 106 matches across all competitions, including 10 in the Champions League during the last season.
He is currently representing the Argentina national team at the World Cup, where he has come off the bench in their first two group stage victories against Algeria and Austria in Group J.
Information from ESPN’s Rodrigo Faez contributed to this report.