Julian Alvarez has been told he will not be allowed to join either Barcelona or Real Madrid, with Atletico Madrid president Miguel Angel Gil Marin taking personal responsibility for blocking any move involving the Argentina striker.
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, journalist Ruben Uria says Gil Marin is determined to prevent Alvarez from leaving Atletico Madrid for either of Spain’s two biggest clubs. Real Madrid announced in an official statement at the beginning of June that they had made a €150m offer for the forward.
Uria, who specialises in Atletico Madrid news, said on his YouTube channel that Gil Marin believes both Barcelona and Real Madrid attempted to humiliate Atletico by pursuing Alvarez.
“Gil Marin is convinced that Barcelona and Real Madrid wanted to humiliate Atletico Madrid in front of everyone through Julian Alvarez. Therefore, he was firm and treated it as a personal matter, for the image of Atletico and out of his own pride. That is why he has already told Julian himself and his agent Fernando Hidalgo that he will not go to Barcelona or Real Madrid,” Uria said.
He added: “If negotiations over the Argentine’s move to Spotify Camp Nou are non-existent, that is because of the clear determination of Atletico’s president.”
Alvarez remains Barcelona’s primary target as the Catalan club look to strengthen their attack. However, Atletico’s refusal to negotiate has made the 27-year-old’s future increasingly uncertain.
People close to Alvarez are reportedly deeply frustrated with Gil Marin. They believe he failed to honour an assurance that he would help the striker leave the Riyadh Air Metropolitano if that was what the player wanted.
Alvarez also feels he has not been treated fairly by the Atletico hierarchy. The Argentina international was reportedly told about a year ago that his contract would be improved, but that has not happened.
Despite the growing tension, Uria said Alvarez is not currently considering an open rebellion or planning to miss Atletico’s pre-season preparations.
The striker is expected to report for training at the club on Monday, 10 August, as Atletico begin their preparations for the 2026-27 season. He intends to attend the club’s facilities and work under head coach Diego Simeone.
Alvarez is expected to maintain a professional approach because he does not want to breach his contract with Atletico Madrid. His decision to return for pre-season means he is not, at this stage, seeking to force a departure by refusing to train.
A four-way meeting involving Gil Marin, Simeone, sporting adviser Mateu Alemany and Alvarez could also take place on the same day. The meeting would aim to clarify the situation and establish the next phase in the continuing uncertainty over the striker’s future.
Alvarez still dreams of joining Barcelona, but Atletico’s position, led by Gil Marin, has placed a significant obstacle in the way of any transfer to either Barcelona or Real Madrid.
