They claim Julián turned down Atlético to join Barça | OneFootball

On the Iberian Peninsula, they are linking the Spider with Barça after the 2026 World Cup.

With LaLiga over, rumors about Julián Alvarez’s immediate future started to grow. It has been circulating for some time now that FC Barcelona want to secure his services. But the difference now is that people close to the player himself have reportedly made it clear to Atlético de Madrid that he needs to leave in the next transfer window.

In that regard, Marca reported this Monday, May 25, that the Argentina national team striker turned down Atlético’s proposal to improve the terms of his contract, which runs until mid-2030. Specifically, he was offered a salary of €10 million per year, something the Calchín native reportedly dismissed in order to pursue a more ambitious project.

Given this situation, Atlético de Madrid feel they have no choice but to open negotiations so they can at least get some financial return from a situation they would have preferred to avoid from the outset. Even so, they understand they cannot keep a player who, evidently, does not want to stay in the Spanish capital.

Julián Alvarez’s release clause is €500 million. However, at Atleti they know that figure is excessive and enough to make even Arab clubs hesitate. But the reality, according to the outlet cited, is that they would accept letting him go to Barça or Paris Saint-Germain for a concrete offer of €150 million, the other club interested.

On the other hand, Marca clarifies that his relationship with Diego Simeone remains good and that this is not the reason why Julián Alvarez wants to leave Atlético de Madrid. More than anything, it is his desire to share a forward line with players like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, so he can once again have a real chance of becoming a champion.

Atlético de Madrid ended the 2025/2026 season in the worst possible way. They were thrashed 5-1 by Villarreal at La Cerámica Stadium. After the match, Cholo Simeone, among other topics, referred to Julián Alvarez’s future with a statement that gives plenty to think about: “He is old enough to know what he wants to do, and I suppose he has already made his decision.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.