Atlético fires back after Julián Álvarez’s transfer comments and prepares FIFA complaint against Barcelona
Atlético’s chief executive spoke about Julián Álvarez after the player’s comments to Efe in which he stated that he wants a transfer.
Atlético Madrid is pushing back hard after Julián Álvarez publicly said he wants “a transfer” to fulfill his dream. The club’s CEO, Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, spoke with EFE to clarify Atlético’s position — and to make it clear the situation has now escalated.
Atlético will file a FIFA complaint against Barcelona
According to Gil Marín, Atlético will submit a formal complaint to FIFA accusing Barcelona of negotiating with Álvarez while he is under contract and within the protected period — a direct violation of FIFA rules.
“Our responsibility is to defend Atlético Madrid’s interests, and that’s why we’re filing a complaint against Barcelona,” said Gil Marín.
The CEO reacted strongly to Álvarez’s comments after Argentina’s World Cup match against Austria. The striker, who is under contract with Atlético until June 30, 2030, said that “a transfer is best for everyone” and that he wants to “fulfill his dream.”
Gil Marín didn’t hide his frustration: “I regret his words. It wasn’t the day for that. It was Messi’s day, Argentina’s day — not Julián’s.”
“Atlético does not want to sell him”
Gil Marín emphasized that while Álvarez has spoken with the club, the message has been consistent: “He knows our position perfectly: Atlético does not want to transfer his rights. He’s a great player and we’re proud he plays for us.”
Gil Marín blasts Barcelona: “They disrespect us”
The Atlético CEO went even further, accusing Barcelona of acting in bad faith: “Barcelona disrespects us. They think they can belittle us, that we’re weak or stupid. But what they’re really doing is showing the world who they are.”
He added that Barça is misleading everyone — Atlético, the player, the media, and even its own fans — by pretending it can afford an operation it simply cannot execute.
Gil Marín also recalled a similar situation involving Nico Williams and Athletic Club last year, saying the football world is well aware of Barcelona’s pattern.
Álvarez’s contract and value
Álvarez is tied to Atlético until 2030, and the club has repeatedly stated he is not for sale. Any team interested must deal with his €500 million release clause (about $535 million USD).
Since arriving from Manchester City two years ago, Álvarez has scored 49 goals in 106 matches, becoming one of Atlético’s most productive players.
With tensions rising and a FIFA complaint on the way, the standoff between Atlético, Barcelona, and Álvarez is far from over — and the next move could reshape the summer transfer market.
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