Enrique Cerezo sends clear message to Barcelona over Julián Álvarez | OneFootball

With the end of the World Cup 2026 only days away, the sights of the footballing world will undoubtedly be set on the upcoming final between Spain and Argentina. However, this is also going to be an important time for some clubs too, especially for FC Barcelona, as they are planning to launch their next offensive for their top summer target, Julian Alvarez, after the end of the World Cup.

With the first games of the next season scheduled in the second half of August for both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, the coming few days are anyway going to be crucial for the Argentine’s future. However, the involved parties have been waiting for the end of the World Cup to not affect his performances in the tournament.

While the Blaugranes seem fully committed to doing everything to land the forward, the Colchoneros themselves continue to see him as a crucial part of their own team, and have given no indication of allowing him to leave any time soon.

As Mundo Deportivo has reported, the latest statement in this regard came from the Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo, as he talked to the media before joining the available first team players for a traditional dinner. When asked about Laporta’s deadline about the offer for Alvarez, the Atletico president replied:

“Joan Laporta is a great friend, he’s a good president, and he knows very well, just like all of you do, where Julián López—I mean, Julián Álvarez—will be playing next season.”

Cerezo was also confident that Atletico Madrid fans would forgive the forward for his clear expression of a desire to leave the club:

“In life, we all make mistakes. Just look at me with Julián López. You make me nervous. In life, apart from a few things, everything has a solution.”

These statements show that Atletico Madrid are firmly entrenched in their stance of not letting Julian Alvarez leave, especially to a direct rival like Barcelona. It remains to be seen whether they will be able to withstand the pressure when another offer from the Blaugrana club arrives or when the player again asks for a move.