Barcelona president responds to Atletico Madrid CEO’s scathing attack over Julian Alvarez transfer: ‘I respect everyone’s opinion’ | OneFootball

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has broken his silence over Julian Alvarez, confirming that the offer submitted to Atletico Madrid has a limited validity and will expire if there is no progress before the end of July.

The comments are Barcelona’s first public response since Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin attempted to shut down speculation surrounding the Argentina striker, insisting he is not for sale and urging the Catalan club to end their pursuit.

While Atletico have remained firm in public, Barcelona have taken a different approach. 

It is said that rather than becoming involved in a public exchange, the club have continued to wait for the World Cup to conclude before reassessing one of their biggest transfer objectives of the summer.

What’s the story?

The latest exchange between the two clubs follows Gil Marin’s strong remarks, when he revealed he had contacted Laporta directly over the speculation linking Alvarez with a move away from the Metropolitano.

Laporta has responded to Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Speaking about Barcelona’s interest, the Atletico chief said,

“I have a good personal relationship with their chairman, and I explicitly asked him to desist, making it clear that Julián is not for sale.”

Barcelona deliberately avoided responding at the time, choosing not to fuel a public disagreement while Alvarez remained focused on Argentina’s preparations for the World Cup final against Spain.

However, during his visit to the United States, Laporta was again asked about the striker and offered a measured response that made Barcelona’s position clear.

He was quoted by Tot Costa as saying, “I respect everyone’s opinion. We have made an offer and there it is. 

Julian Alvarez is Barcelona’s priority target. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

“At a certain point, probably at the end of July, we will say that the validity has ended,” added the Barcelona president.

Barcelona refuse to be drawn into a public battle

Barcelona’s handling of the situation has remained consistent throughout the transfer window. 

Despite Gil Marin’s criticism, the club has resisted the temptation to respond through the media or increase the pressure on Atletico Madrid.

Instead, attention has shifted to Alvarez, who is fully focused on the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. 

Hence, any significant movement is expected only after the final, when the striker’s international football commitments are over.