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Julian Alvarez demands transfer, Atletico Madrid refuses to sell
After Argentina’s 2‑0 World Cup win over Austria, striker Julian Álvarez told ESPN that he has spoken with Atlético Madrid and believes “the best for everyone is a transfer” and that he wants to fulfil his dream. Álvarez, who joined the club from Manchester City in 2024 on a contract running to June 2030, has a €500 million release clause.
Atlético Madrid publicly reiterated that the player is not for sale, rejecting a €150 million offer from Real Madrid and a €100 million proposal from Barcelona. The club has warned Barcelona that any contact with Álvarez while under contract could breach FIFA regulations and said it will file a complaint with FIFA. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal, PSG and other European clubs have been linked with the Argentine forward, but the Madrid side insists any move would require payment of the full clause.
The dispute has become a high‑profile transfer saga in European football, with legal threats adding tension to the market negotiations ahead of the summer window.