‘Would have sold him to anyone but us ‘ – Barcelona in fresh dig at Atlético over Julián Alvarez saga | OneFootball

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has this weekend made use of the opportunity to reiterate his bemusement with the behaviour of those in the boardroom at La Liga rivals Atlético Madrid over the summer.

This comes in relation to the latter’s protective stance regarding the situation of star frontman Julián Alvarez.

Barcelona of course spent the bulk of the summer transfer window in active pursuit of the signature of Alvarez. Amid a search for reinforcements up top following the respective departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, the Blaugrana identified the Argentine as the ideal addition.

Their efforts to land Alvarez, however, ultimately came to nothing.

Despite a public plea on the part of the player himself to move on, the Metropolitano brass were unwavering in their stance that Alvarez would not be sold.

And as alluded to above, this weekend, Joan Laporta has provided his take on the saga. Speaking during an exchange with the media, as cited by journalist Fabrizio Romano, Barca’s president accused Atléti of behaving completely ‘inappropriately’:

“Atlético have shown their true colours. They acted as though they were the offended party — they had no way of justifying their attitude. We did what is normally done — as there were talks between the clubs, then I personally spoke with Gil Marín.

“He told me Julián wasn’t coming because they didn’t have an alternative… and then Atlético reacted inappropriately. I do not know what caused it. I can imagine why, but I have no proof.

“We were hearing reports that they would sell to anyone in the world except Barça. And that’s the case… they were actually ready to sell Julián to any club in the world, but not to us.

“It’s already the past; we’re now very happy with our squad.”

Conor Laird – GSFN