Atlético Madrid rejects record bid
Real Madrid has confirmed that its €150m (£129m) bid for forward Julián Alvarez has been rejected by city rivals Atlético Madrid. The offer, which would have been a record transfer for Real Madrid, was made following a board meeting. Atlético Madrid acknowledged the proposal, citing the good relations between the clubs, but ultimately declined it, referring to Alvarez’s £431m (€500m) release clause.
Julián Alvarez, an Argentina striker, has been with Atlético Madrid since 2024, joining from Manchester City. He has scored 49 goals in 106 appearances for the club. During the most recent season, he netted 20 goals in 49 matches for Atlético, with 10 of those coming in the Champions League. His current contract with Atlético extends until 2030. Reports indicate that Alvarez, who is preparing for Argentina’s World Cup defence, wishes to leave and has been linked with other clubs, including Arsenal and Barcelona.
Social media reaction and club statements
Following the rejection, Atlético Madrid‘s official social media accounts posted messages mocking their rivals. One post on X, formerly Twitter, stated, “You make us laugh even more than Barcelona,” in response to the rejected bid. The club also reiterated that they would not consider any offer for their striker.
Further statements from Atlético conveyed a strong stance: “You must have confused education with gratitude, but to leave no doubt: we don’t thank you for anything. We neither study nor consider any offer for Julian. How could we not get along when you make us laugh even more than Barcelona.” The club also referenced a prior situation, adding, “Taking advantage of the good relationship with your new president, let’s see if you stop ‘stealing’ players from our Academy. Thanks a lot.” This follows a similar situation in May when Barcelona was linked with Alvarez, leading Atlético to accuse them of a “smear campaign” and “fake news.” At that time, Atlético posted parody images of Barcelona players Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Raphinha in Atlético shirts.
Presidential promises and managerial changes
The bid for Alvarez aligns with a promise made by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. Before his re-election, Perez vowed to make an offer for a ‘galactico’ forward immediately upon retaining his position. This promise was made after his challenger, Enrique Riquelme, had pledged to sign Erling Haaland if elected, even showcasing a shirt with Haaland’s name.
Perez had indicated that his target would be a player from midfield who could go forward, not from the Premier League, and that the transfer fee would be significant, around €150m. He also stated that the first step would be to communicate with the player’s current club. While there was speculation about Michael Olise, Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer insisted Olise was not for sale, and Perez confirmed his target was neither Olise nor Jeremy Doku.
In related news, Álvaro Arbeloa has departed Real Madrid, having taken over as interim boss in January following Xabi Alonso‘s departure. This move is understood to pave the way for the return of José Mourinho as head coach. Benfica confirmed that Real Madrid has expressed interest in hiring Mourinho for €15 million, and Mourinho has agreed to the move. Benfica also stated that former Fulham manager Marco Silva will replace Mourinho. The re-election of Perez is also expected to trigger the confirmation of Mourinho’s re-appointment, with the signings of Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries also anticipated to be announced.
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Source: skysports.com
