‘Can’t be signed with a fixed fee, paid in installments’: Atletico send clear message to Barcelona over Julian Alvarez pursuit | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid tried to use sarcasm and mockery today to fire shots at FC Barcelona through a series of ironic posts on their official X account involving imaginary transfer offers for Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Raphinha.

The posts came in response to growing reports linking Barça with a move for Julian Alvarez, as well as claims that the Catalan club had already submitted an offer for the striker, something Atletico firmly deny.

Atletico Madrid furious

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Atletico Madrid’s tirade, filled with sarcastic messages, may have appeared light-hearted on the surface, but behind the jokes was a much more serious frustration inside the Metropolitano offices.

“It might seem like a joke or a bit of humour, but this is very serious. We’ve been very angry with FC Barcelona for some time now. It was done ironically, to hold a mirror up to the Catalan club, to show them what they’re doing,” club sources told MD.

Atletico believe there has been a coordinated campaign around the future of Alvarez. Club sources even pointed to specific examples to explain their frustration.

Atletico are attacking Barcelona. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

“The messages from Fabrizio Romano, those from the press that covers the team, like when Cerezo goes to eat in Barcelona and they bombard him with impertinent questions about whether he’s going to negotiate with Laporta for Julian, the way they treat our players in the mixed zone…,” they said.

Continuing venting out their frustration, the source from Atletico Madrid said: “They organize a dinner in Barcelona and alert El Chiringuito so they can film it, so Juanma López (a player agent and supposed mediator in this matter) is seen leaving the restaurant.

“They leak an offer that we claim has been sent, but nothing has arrived here (at Atletico).”

Within the club, they accuse Barcelona of “destabilising things for months” with this issue. “It’s over. We’re very angry and this was our way of showing it,” the source added.

Alvarez not for sale for any fee

However, Atletico feel protected because Alvarez remains tied to the club until 2030 and has a €500 million release clause.

“What is clear is that Atletico holds all the cards. The player is protected (€500 million release clause) and has a long-term contract (until 2030),” the source added.

The Rojiblancos continue to repeat the same message internally and publicly: “Atletico is delighted with him, he has a long-term contract, he’s protected, and we’re counting on him for next season.”

Not for sale for any fee. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Although earlier reports speculated that a deal might eventually happen for around €150 million, sources at Atlético now dismiss that idea completely.

“Julian can’t be signed with a fixed fee, paid in installments over several seasons with some variables. It’s a €500 million cash payment that needs to be deposited at  La Liga headquarters,” they stressed.

Atletico also defended the role of the player’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, amid criticism surrounding the negotiations.

“If Barcelona had done things properly, the agent wouldn’t be involved. But if you’re bypassing the club, then you’re not doing things the right way.

“Agents make a living from this. It’s normal; it’s what they usually do because it’s their job. The problem is Barcelona ,” they conclude.