Barcelona president Joan Laporta launched a scathing attack on Atlético Madrid’s hierarchy over their handling of the Catalan club’s attempt to sign Julián Álvarez during the summer transfer window.
Speaking during Barcelona’s General Assembly, Laporta defended his club’s conduct, insisting that dialogue between both boards had proceeded normally before Atlético abruptly shifted their stance.
“Atlético played the victim and had no way to justify their position,” Laporta stated. “We did what normally happens; there were discussions between the two clubs, and then I spoke personally with Gil Marín.”
He added: “He told me Julián would not come because they didn’t have a replacement, and then Atlético acted inappropriately. I don’t know what triggered that, and while I can imagine the reason, I have no evidence.”
The Barcelona president continued his critique: “We kept receiving information that they would sell him to any club in the world except Barcelona, and that is precisely what happened; they were ready to sell Julián to anyone, but not to us.”
Laporta concluded: “This matter is now in the past, and we are currently very happy with the squad we have”—temporarily closing the chapter following the failed operation and the Argentine striker’s stay in Madrid.
The fallout stems from Álvarez’s desire to depart over the summer. Atlético had initially set a deadline for a €150 million offer, whereas reports indicated Barcelona submitted a €100 million proposal structured in six annual installments after the deadline had passed.
Atlético subsequently filed a complaint against Barcelona with both the RFEF and FIFA over alleged unauthorized contact with the player during a protected period of his contract, which runs through 2030 and contains a €500 million release clause. Gil Marín later affirmed that he would not sell Álvarez to Barcelona regardless of the fee offered.
