Barcelona still interested in Atletico’s Alvarez, says Laporta

Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed on Wednesday that the Catalan club remains interested in signing Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, despite ongoing speculation about the Argentina international's future. The 26-year-old, who played a crucial role in Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory, has faced criticism from Atletico fans after reports linking him with a move to Barcelona.

Alvarez, who was booed during a recent training session, has made it clear that he wants to leave Atletico, stating he had discussed a potential transfer with the club ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Laporta addressed the situation in a video posted on Barcelona's social media channels, emphasizing that the club's interest is not driven by Atletico's refusal to sell Alvarez.

He noted that Atletico's stance has led to increased noise around the transfer, but it appears the club is now exploring agreements with other teams. Barcelona has expressed its willingness to make an offer for Alvarez up until the end of the transfer window, respecting Atletico's position. Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin, however, reiterated the club's unwillingness to sell Alvarez, even for a sum as high as €200 million ($233 million).

The player, who has scored 49 goals and provided 17 assists in 107 appearances for Atletico since joining from Manchester City in 2024, is being depicted as a victim, but Atletico maintains that they are the ones who have suffered financially and socially. They firmly stated that there is no possibility of selling Julian Alvarez to Barcelona.