Alvarez wants to leave Atlético: Barcelona and Real Madrid battle for €150M striker

Julian Alvarez has openly asked to leave Atlético de Madrid, sparking an open war between the two giants of the Spanish capital to secure his services.

After Argentina’s victory over Austria (2-0), the Argentine striker revealed his intentions in the mixed zone. “It’s not the time to talk about it, but I can’t hide either, I try to be an honest person. I’ve spoken with the people at Atlético de Madrid and I think what’s best for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfill my dream,” he told ESPN.

Under contract with the Colchoneros until 2030, Alvarez is attracting the interest of several major European clubs. FC Barcelona would make him a priority target, and Luis Enrique would also appreciate his profile. Real Madrid, for its part, reportedly made an offer that could reach €150 million according to several Spanish media outlets.

The matter could now go beyond the sporting realm. According to newspaper AS, Real Madrid is considering filing a complaint with FIFA’s Sports Justice Commission, suspecting FC Barcelona of contacting the player in violation of his long-term contract. The Madrid club did not mince words: “Everyone knows it’s a dishonest club. But they ran into a club that won’t let them get away with it,” according to statements reported by AS.

Atlético de Madrid, which had signed Alvarez from Manchester City in summer 2024 for approximately €75 million, apparently has no intention of facilitating an early departure of its star striker. The tension between the three clubs promises to make this summer transfer window one of the most turbulent in La Liga.