Julián Álvarez demands transfer from Atlético Madrid amid Real Madrid withdrawal

Julián Álvarez publicly demanded a transfer from Atlético Madrid during the World Cup, but Real Madrid has simultaneously withdrawn from pursuing the player after its 150-million-euro bid was rejected. Atlético Madrid maintains its uncompromising 500-million-euro release clause stance, creating a transfer deadlock.

Quick Facts

Álvarez publicly requested transfer from Atlético Madrid
Real Madrid withdrew from bidding for Álvarez
Atlético rejected Real Madrid's 150-million-euro offer
Barcelona offered approximately 100 million euros
Atlético maintained 500-million-euro release clause

Argentina forward Julián Álvarez publicly called for his departure from Atlético Madrid on Monday following Argentina's 2-0 World Cup victory over Austria, stating that "the best thing for everyone is a transfer." The 26-year-old striker, appearing as a second-half substitute in Arlington, Texas, confirmed he has already spoken with club officials about leaving and expressed frustration with his current situation under manager Diego Simeone.

The transfer saga has intensified as Real Madrid officially withdrew from the pursuit. Despite submitting a 150-million-euro bid in early July that was categorically rejected by Atlético, Madrid confirmed it will not engage in further bidding or auctions for the player. The club, which had made the offer as a campaign promise by President Florentino Pérez, considers its focus to lie elsewhere. Barcelona, the other interested party, had only offered approximately 100 million euros, substantially below Madrid's proposal.

Atlético Madrid has maintained an uncompromising stance, insisting on a 500-million-euro release clause for Álvarez, who remains under contract until 2030. The club has publicly bristled at transfer speculation, with Atlético fans burning the player's jersey after his comments were published. The club also directed criticism at Barcelona's transfer tactics and reiterated that Álvarez is not for sale at any reasonable price.

Álvarez joined Atlético from Manchester City in 2024 for approximately 100 million euros and has since scored 49 goals in 106 appearances over two seasons. However, the club's inability to win silverware—finishing fourth in La Liga, losing the Champions League semifinal to Arsenal, and falling in the Copa del Rey final—has reportedly left him dissatisfied. While Álvarez has indicated a preference to remain in Spain, other European clubs including Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain have been mentioned as potential suitors.

The situation presents a complex impasse: Álvarez wants out, Real Madrid has withdrawn its bid, Barcelona cannot match Madrid's financial offer, and Atlético refuses to negotiate below its prohibitive release clause. Analysts note that Atlético's rejection of Madrid's substantial offer may prove strategically damaging if no other club can meet the demands, potentially leaving all parties at an expensive stalemate.

Topics

Sports World Cup Business World

#Atlético Madrid #soccer #Argentina #Real Madrid #release clause #World Cup #striker #transfer #World Cup 2026 #transfer market

Entities

Why This Matters

This transfer deadlock illustrates the growing tension between player ambitions and club authority in modern football. Álvarez's public demand, combined with Real Madrid's withdrawal and Atlético's inflexible stance, creates a cautionary tale for clubs negotiating high-value transfers. For fans and stakeholders, it demonstrates how unrealistic valuation expectations can backfire, potentially leaving all parties worse off—a scenario increasingly common in elite football's transfer market dynamics.

Timeline & Sources

Jan 1, 2024

Wire

Julián Álvarez transfers from Manchester City to Atlético Madrid for approximately 100 million euros

Jun 22, 2026

Wire

Argentina defeats Austria 2-0 at World Cup; Álvarez plays as substitute

Jun 23, 2026

Wire

Argentina defeats Austria 2-0 at World Cup; Álvarez appears as second-half substitute and publicly demands transfer

Jul 9, 2026

Wire

Real Madrid submits 150-million-euro bid for Álvarez; offer is rejected by Atlético