Atletico Madrid CEO says Álvarez will stay, rejects offer

Atlético Madrid CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has emphatically shut down all speculation about a summer transfer for star forward Julián Álvarez, declaring the Argentine "untouchable" and stating the club would reject any offer, even up to 200 million euros. The definitive statement was issued on July 17, just hours before Álvarez is set to lead Argentina's attack against Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.

Gil Marín, in a video released by the club, directly addressed reported interest from Barcelona and recent comments from its president, Joan Laporta. He stated that Atlético's position has been made clear to the player, his representatives, and Barcelona's leadership. "My intention is clear, as is the club's," Gil Marín said. "Atlético is the perfect place in the world for Julián, and he is the ideal striker for Atlético. We want to keep him."

The CEO directly referenced Laporta's recent acknowledgment that Barcelona's offer was not unlimited. "The only possible response is that our answer is indeed unlimited," Gil Marín stated. "We don't want to transfer him, and we will not accept an offer of 100, 150, or 200 million for Julián Álvarez." This firm stance follows reports...