Atlético CEO Rules Out Julián Álvarez Exit Despite Barcelona Interest

Atlético Madrid CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has firmly ruled out the possibility of selling Julián Álvarez, insisting the Argentine striker will remain at the club despite continued interest from Barcelona.

Speaking in an interview published on the club's official YouTube channel on Friday, Gil stated that Atlético rejected Barcelona's previous €100 million offer and would not consider selling the World Cup finalist even for €200 million.

"We do not want to sell him. We did not accept the €100 million offer, nor would we accept one of €150 million or €200 million," Gil said.

The Atlético executive described Álvarez as "the perfect center-forward" for the club and expressed confidence that the Argentine international would continue his career in Madrid.

Gil also criticized Barcelona president Joan Laporta, accusing him of using the transfer saga to generate attention.

"I told him, 'Please, just let it go. We do not want to sell him, and we are not going to sell him. Stop insisting,'" Gil revealed, adding that Laporta "knows perfectly well that Julián will not be playing for FC Barcelona next season."

The CEO also blamed Álvarez's agent, Fernando Hidalgo, for encouraging the player to publicly request a transfer last month, saying the forward had been "poorly advised."

However, Gil praised the 26-year-old's professionalism and expressed confidence that his commitment to Atlético would remain unchanged.

Gil's comments follow similar statements from Atlético chairman Enrique Cerezo, who also dismissed speculation surrounding the striker's future.

The Spanish club has reportedly filed a formal complaint with FIFA and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) over what it claims were improper negotiations between Barcelona and Álvarez's representatives during the protected period between transfer windows.

Álvarez is currently preparing with Argentina for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain on Sunday before returning to Madrid for the start of Atlético's preseason ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.