Atletico rejects Barcelona bid for Alvarez amid transfer window

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said the club remains hopeful of signing Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, while Atletico responded by declaring there is "0 chance" of selling the Argentine to their La Liga rivals. The transfer saga intensified on August 26, 2026, as both clubs publicly stated their positions, with the summer transfer window nearing its close.

Laporta, in a video published by Barcelona, said the club's offer for Alvarez remains on the table and that they have received information suggesting Atletico has held discussions with other clubs about a possible sale. "It seems that the player wants to come to Barca, and therefore we continue to hold on to our hope, our intention always with the utmost respect for Atletico Madrid of being able to sign the player," Laporta said. He added that Barcelona had submitted a "very significant" offer and that he had spoken with Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin, who indicated the club would not sell until a replacement was found.

Atletico Madrid issued a strong rebuttal, stating the situation is "not about money, it's about dignity." The club said, "The player is being victimised, but the only victim in the Julian case...