Atlético Madrid CEO, Miguel Ángel Gil, Marín has reiterated the club’s firm stance that Julián Alvarez is not for sale, warning Barcelona to end its pursuit of the Argentina forward ahead of Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final against Spain.
Speaking in a 15-minute interview published on Atlético Madrid’s YouTube channel on Friday, Gil addressed several issues, including Atlético Femenino, Antoine Griezmann’s exit and the club’s representatives in the World Cup final.
However, he devoted a significant portion of the interview to Alvarez’s future, insisting the striker would not be sold regardless of the size of any offer.
“The club’s position is clear. We have made it known to the player, the fans and the Barcelona president,” Gil said. “I have no doubt that Atlético is the right place in the world for Julián, and that Julián is the perfect center-forward for Atlético de Madrid. … 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’s comments came a day after Barcelona president Joan Laporta said from New York that the Catalan club’s offer for Alvarez remained on the table, although Barcelona would explore other options if Atlético refused to negotiate.
Responding directly, Gil urged Laporta to abandon the chase.
“I know Joan (Laporta) well enough to believe that he is constantly playing to the media and to the fans, for his own personal circus,” Gil said. “I’m not offended. I have a good personal relationship with him. I spoke to him personally. 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.”
“(Laporta) keeps this situation alive because he enjoys it,” Gil continued. “He loves maintaining this kind of relationship with the fans and the Catalan media. But he knows perfectly well that Julián will not be playing for FC Barcelona next season.”
The Atlético chief also criticised Alvarez’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, accusing him of giving the player poor advice after the striker publicly requested a transfer last month.
Alvarez’s transfer request coincided with the day Lionel Messi became the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer, a move that sparked criticism in both Argentina and Spain.
“We know Julián. We have absolutely no doubt about his character or his professionalism. Julián has been poorly advised since the end of the season, and that in some way leads me to believe that his performances, his attitude will continue to be exactly what they always have been: that of a very good player, a good person and an outstanding professional,” Gil said.
Gil’s remarks followed similar comments made on Thursday by Atlético chairman Enrique Cerezo, who also insisted Alvarez would remain at the club despite Barcelona’s persistent interest and reported attention from Premier League champions Arsenal.
Atlético’s leadership has remained united in its position that Alvarez will stay in Madrid ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The club has also lodged a formal complaint with FIFA and the Royal Spanish Football Federation, alleging improper negotiations between Hidalgo and Barcelona during the protected period between transfer windows.
With a long-term contract still in place, Atlético expects Alvarez to return to Madrid after his holiday and rejoin the squad for pre-season preparations, maintaining that the Argentina international remains central to the club’s plans.
