Overview
- Diego Simeone publicly backed Atlético's refusal to sell Julián Álvarez on Tuesday, saying the club intends to build the team around the striker.
- Atlético's CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has rejected offers reported at €100m–€200m and points to a fixed €500m release clause in Álvarez's contract.
- The club lodged a complaint with FIFA in July alleging improper contact by FC Barcelona with the player, a move Atlético says further bars negotiated transfers this window.
- Álvarez has told club officials he would prefer to leave and missed recent match squads while returning from an extended break after the World Cup; his contract runs until summer 2030 and he joined Atlético in 2024.
- Barcelona's pursuit is now unlikely to succeed this summer and the dispute with Atlético may prolong any transfer plans and shape where and when Álvarez can move next.