Real Madrid’s attempt to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has been firmly rejected after the Spanish giants submitted a €150 million (£130 million) offer for the Argentina international.
The move came shortly after Real Madrid president Florentino Perez secured re-election on Sunday. During his campaign, Perez had promised to make a €150 million bid for a high-profile “galactico” signing if he retained control of the club. Within days of his victory, the club followed through on that pledge by approaching city rivals Atletico Madrid for Alvarez.
However, Atletico wasted little time in turning down the proposal. The club pointed to Alvarez’s release clause, which stands at €500 million (£430 million), making it clear that the offer fell well short of their valuation of the player.
In an official statement, Real Madrid confirmed the approach and the response they received.
“Following the meeting of the board of directors held today, it has made an offer of 150 million euros to Club Atletico de Madrid for the federative rights of the player Julian Alvarez,” the statement said.
The club added that Atletico had reviewed the proposal but ultimately rejected it, referring directly to the player’s release clause while acknowledging the “good relations” between the two Madrid clubs.
Atletico’s reaction quickly moved beyond a formal response. The club shared Real Madrid’s statement on social media accompanied by a series of laughing emojis, signaling its view of the offer.
In a follow-up post, Atletico wrote: “You must have confused education with gratitude, but to leave no doubt: we don’t thank you for anything.”
The club continued its public criticism by adding: “We neither study nor consider any offer for Julian. How could we not get along, when you make us laugh even more than Barcelona does.”
Atletico’s final message included a pointed remark aimed at their rivals’ recruitment practices. “P.S. Taking advantage of the good relationship with your new president, let’s see if you stop ‘stealing’ players from our Academy. Thanks a lot, @realmadrid!”
Alvarez, a World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022 and a former Manchester City player, joined Atletico Madrid in 2024 in a deal worth £81.5 million. The 26-year-old enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, scoring 20 goals in 49 appearances as Atletico finished fourth in La Liga and advanced to the Champions League semi-finals.
For now, Atletico have made it clear that Alvarez is not for sale.
