{
  "id": 3615130,
  "title": "Barcelona still interested in Atletico’s Alvarez, says Laporta",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/barcelona-still-interested-in-atleticos-alvarez-says-laporta-3615130",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-26T23:22:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/08/27/barcelona-still-interested-in-atletico-s-alvarez-says-laporta"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "Julian Alvarez has come under fire from fans after expressing his desire to leave amid links with the LaLiga champions.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 6,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Giuliano rescues Atletico as Alvarez jeered in Villarreal draw",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/giuliano-rescues-atletico-as-alvarez-jeered-in-villarreal-draw",
        "published": "2026-08-23T17:45:09.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "LaLiga: Alvarez booed as Lookman fails to shine in Atletico draw with Villareal",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/laliga-alvarez-booed-as-lookman-fails-to-shine-in-atletico-draw-with",
        "published": "2026-08-23T20:22:47.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "10-man Atletico snatch Villarreal draw as Alvarez returns",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/10-man-atletico-snatch-villarreal-draw-as-alvarez-returns",
        "published": "2026-08-23T21:44:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Times of India",
        "title": "'Let him leave once and for all': Atletico asks Alvarez to 'not go near fans'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/let-him-leave-once-and-for-all-atletico-asks-alvarez-to-not-go-near",
        "published": "2026-08-24T07:56:36.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Atletico open to €150m Arsenal bid for Julian Alvarez amid boos, fans turn on unsettled forward",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/atletico-open-to-150m-arsenal-bid-for-julian-alvarez-amid-boos-fans",
        "published": "2026-08-24T09:35:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}