Enrique Cerezo, president of Atlético Madrid, has made it clear that the club will not be transferring Julián Álvarez this summer, despite Barcelona‘s attempts to entice the Argentinian striker to Camp Nou.
This week, Barça president Joan Laporta announced that his club has proposed a “substantial offer” to Atlético for Álvarez, but cautioned that the offer is time-sensitive.
In response to Laporta’s comments, Cerezo told reporters on Thursday: “Laporta is a good friend and a great president. He knows very well, as do you all, where Julián Álvarez will be playing next season.”
“He is an Atlético Madrid player and will remain one.”
Álvarez, 26, recently expressed to ESPN that he has communicated his wish to leave Atlético after just two seasons at the Metropolitano stadium.
When asked if he anticipated Álvarez would apologize to Atlético fans for his public statements about wanting to leave to “fulfil his dream,” Cerezo stated: “Everyone makes mistakes; he is an Atlético Madrid player, and in life, almost everything has a solution.”
Atlético acquired Álvarez in the summer of 2024 from Manchester City for an initial fee of €75 million ($86 million).
Last month, the Rojiblancos rejected a €150 million ($171 million) bid from Real Madrid for Álvarez, who is also being targeted by Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.
Meanwhile, Laporta remains hopeful that Atlético might reconsider their position.
Currently in New York for Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, Laporta told Cadena Ser radio: “Atlético are aware that we have made a significant offer for Julián. It’s a substantial one. If they are open to accepting it, fantastic, but it definitely won’t remain on the table indefinitely.”
– Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal looking to replace Gyökeres with Álvarez?
– Julián Álvarez’s extra-time goal propels Argentina into semifinals
– Barcelona’s time-sensitive offer for Julián Álvarez – president Joan Laporta
“There will come a moment when we need to decide whether to stand by the offer, depending on how these last two weeks of July unfold. We’ve approached this matter with institutional respect.
“The player has expressed his desire to leave Atlético, and we’re awaiting the club’s response. It’s clear that he seeks a change of environment, and we’ve made a very competitive offer to welcome him. The situation is unfolding, and if it doesn’t pan out, we have other options.
Álvarez, who has scored once in six appearances for Argentina during the tournament, is one of nine players from Atlético participating in Sunday’s World Cup final.