Enrique Cerezo, president of Atlético de Madrid, has been emphatic about Julián Álvarez's future: "He is a player of Atlético and will continue to be." The message, delivered from Segovia, is directed straight at Barcelona, who were aiming to sign the Argentine forward.
The president of Atlético de Madrid, Enrique Cerezo, has made it clear once again that Julián Álvarez will not move from the Metropolitano. At the club's pre-season dinner in Segovia, Cerezo responded firmly to doubts about the forward's future:
“He is a player of Atlético de Madrid. Haven't you heard yet?”A direct message to Joan Laporta and Barcelona, who were dreaming of signing 'Araña'.
Barça chasing Álvarez
The conflict erupted on June 22, when Julián Álvarez, wearing the Argentina shirt after defeating Austria in the World Cup, declared:
“The best thing for everyone is a transfer and I want to fulfil my dream”Barcelona, according to sources close to the club, had already begun talks with the player and was preparing an offer of 90 million euros plus bonuses. However, Atlético quickly reacted: they accused the Catalan club of orchestrating the move and threatened to take it to FIFA.
The stance of the red-and-white club is firm: “Either they pay the release clause of 500 million or nothing”. Cerezo had set that threshold before the World Cup, and Real Madrid also found out when they submitted an offer of 150 million that was rejected without negotiation. Atlético recalls the precedent of Antoine Griezmann and is not willing to repeat history.
The player focused on the World Cup
Meanwhile, Julián Álvarez continues to be one of Argentina's stars in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. The Córdoba native scored a crucial goal in the quarter-finals against Switzerland and this Sunday will seek the championship against Spain in New Jersey. Cerezo, far from reproaching him for his statements, was understanding:
“In this life, we all make mistakes; he is a player of Atlético de Madrid, and in this life, almost everything has a solution”
The forward joined Atlético in August 2024 from Manchester City, with a contract until June 2030, and has accumulated 49 goals in 63 matches under the orders of Cholo Simeone. Such performance explains why the club is not willing to let him go.
More signings and Simeone's continuity
Cerezo also hinted at possible signings, such as South Korean Kang-in Lee, and set ambitious goals: “We are working on bringing in important players. We are bringing in players so that next year there will be another 10 or 12 in the World Cup final.” Regarding Diego Simeone, he was clear:
“Contracts can be eternal and quick, and here it is an eternal contract. He is delighted, excited, and focused on the match on Sunday”
The Atlético fans can breathe easy: their Argentine star will continue to wear red and white next season. Or at least, that is what their president says.
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