A blockbuster transfer bid from Spanish giants Real Madrid for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has been firmly rejected, intensifying the rivalry between the two La Liga clubs.
Key Highlights:
- Real Madrid offered €150m for Julian Alvarez, but Atlético Madrid rejected it.
- Atlético insist only his €500m release clause could trigger a sale.
- Real Madrid confirmed the bid but accepted the rejection.
- Atlético mocked the offer publicly on social media.
- Alvarez remains a key Atlético player after a strong season.
Real Madrid submitted an offer worth €150 million (£130 million) for the Argentine forward shortly after club president Florentino Perez secured another term in office. Perez had previously promised supporters that he would pursue the signing of a world-class “Galactico” if re-elected.
Following his victory in Sunday’s presidential election, Perez acted on that pledge by making an official approach for Alvarez. However, Atletico Madrid swiftly turned down the proposal, insisting the 26-year-old remains unavailable for transfer.
In a statement released by Real Madrid on Tuesday, the club confirmed that its board approved the bid and formally communicated the offer to Atletico.
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The statement noted that Atletico Madrid appreciated the proposal but rejected it, pointing instead to Alvarez’s €500 million (£430 million) release clause as the only route to a potential transfer.
The response from Atletico did not end there. The club’s social media accounts mocked the offer, sharing Real Madrid’s statement alongside a string of laughing emojis.
In a follow-up post, Atletico dismissed suggestions that they would consider selling the player.
“You must have confused education with gratitude, but to leave no doubt: we don’t thank you for anything,” the club wrote.
“We neither study nor consider any offer for Julian. How could we not get along when you make us laugh even more than Barcelona does.”
The Madrid-based club continued the exchange with another pointed message aimed at their city rivals, jokingly asking Real Madrid to stop recruiting players from Atletico’s youth academy.
Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid from Manchester City in 2024 in a deal valued at £81.5 million. Since arriving in Spain, the World Cup-winning forward has become one of the club’s most influential players.
The Argentine international enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign, scoring 20 goals in 49 appearances as Atletico secured a fourth-place finish in La Liga and advanced to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
Despite Real Madrid’s willingness to spend a record fee, Atletico’s response makes it clear that Alvarez remains a central figure in their plans, with any potential move requiring the activation of his massive release clause.
