Atletico sends a new warning message to Barcelona
Atletico Madrid have reaffirmed their firm stance on the future of Argentine striker Julian Alvarez, despite the continued links between the player and a move to Barcelona after the summer transfer window closed without him leaving the Madrid club . Although the transfer period has ended, the saga surrounding the Argentine striker shows no signs of abating, having become one of the most prominent issues affecting Los Rojiblancos in recent times, especially given the recurring reports of the player's desire to join Barça . At Atletico Madrid, the position is quite clear: the club's management remains unchanged in their conviction regarding Alvarez's future, despite all the speculation surrounding his potential departure this summer. The player returned to training a few days ago after a period of absence due to what the club described at the time as "illness," continuing his journey with Atletico after his dream move to Barcelona fell through . Barcelona's announcement of the signing of Brazilian Gabriel Jesus was seen by some as a sign that the Catalan club's interest in Álvarez might have ended. However, this hasn't put an end to the speculation surrounding the Argentine striker's future. In fact, Atlético Madrid expects the player to remain a topic of discussion throughout the current season, regardless of the circumstances . The Madrid club's officials fear that this issue will resurface whenever the two teams meet in various competitions, whether in the Champions League, the Copa del Rey, or any direct encounter for a title such as the Spanish Super Cup. Atlético also anticipates a resurgence of rumors linking Álvarez to Barça, similar to what occurred last season, reports which were among the reasons that prompted the Madrid club to file a complaint against Barcelona . Therefore, Atlético Madrid is reiterating the same message it maintained throughout the summer transfer window: Julian Álvarez is not for sale to Barcelona, and the only way he can leave the club is by paying the release clause in his contract, which amounts to €490 million . Atletico Madrid didn't just reiterate their stance through unofficial statements; club CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin issued a decisive statement putting an end to speculation about the player's potential move to Barcelona . Gil Marin recently said, "I've been in the football world for over 30 years, and this is my word, one of the few things I have. As long as I'm CEO, he will not be going to Barcelona, absolutely not." This statement reflects Atletico's desire to wage a long battle to retain one of their key players, especially since the club views the Alvarez situation as part of a broader policy aimed at demonstrating their ability to hold onto their stars and not easily succumb to the advances of rival clubs . At the same time, the club's management doesn't rule out continued speculation about the player, whether in the upcoming winter transfer window or next summer, but they currently see no reason to change their position or enter into negotiations with Barcelona .Atlético Madrid's ability to withstand this situation stems from past experiences within the club, having previously dealt with high-profile players and hefty salaries without yielding to pressure regarding their playing time or future . Therefore, Atlético Madrid appears prepared to maintain its firm stance on Julián Álvarez, even if Barcelona's interest in signing him continues in January or during the upcoming summer transfer window. In the club's calculations, there is currently no room for negotiation regarding the player's sale to Barcelona, and the €490 million release clause remains the only figure that can be used to terminate Álvarez's contract with Atlético .
