Barcelona President Laporta: Offer for Julián Álvarez Has Time Limit
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Barcelona President Joan Laporta stated that the club has made a time-limited offer for Atlético de Madrid forward Julián Álvarez.
- Laporta expressed confusion over Atlético's complaint to FIFA regarding Barcelona's contact with the player.
- Álvarez reportedly wants to leave Atlético, where he has a contract until 2030, seeking a transfer to Barcelona.
Barcelona President Joan Laporta has publicly addressed the pursuit of Atlético de Madrid striker Julián Álvarez, declaring that the club's offer is not open-ended. Laporta, speaking after a period of silence, emphasized Barcelona's strong interest in the Argentine forward, who has expressed a desire to leave his current club.
Julián didn't speak about Barça, he gave the idea of changing clubs. He was always in Barça's orbit, even before he went to Manchester City, but we couldn't afford the operation then.
"Julián didn't speak about Barça, he gave the idea of changing clubs. He was always in Barça's orbit, even before he went to Manchester City, but we couldn't afford the operation then," Laporta stated, referencing past interest. He confirmed that Barcelona, through sporting director Deco, has submitted an offer to Atlético. Laporta conveyed that Atlético initially refused to sell, citing a lack of alternatives, but Barcelona's offer has a deadline.
Laporta also voiced his bewilderment at Atlético's decision to report Barcelona to FIFA for their contact with Álvarez's representatives. "We don't know what their strategy is based on. We have done many operations with Atlético without problems. This one is perhaps more sensitive," he said, adding that Barcelona is making a significant effort with their offer and hopes Atlético will reconsider. He believes the complaint to FIFA is unnecessary.
We don't know what their strategy is based on. We have done many operations with Atlético without problems. This one is perhaps more sensitive.
Julián Álvarez's desire to leave Atlético Madrid, where he is contracted until June 30, 2030, has been a topic of discussion. After two seasons without titles under coach Diego Simeone, the player reportedly feels stagnant and is seeking a transfer. Many speculate his preferred destination is Barcelona. Álvarez himself recently stated, "I don't know what's going to happen. I don't think it's the time to talk about this, but I can't hide or pretend to be distracted. I try to be an honest person, I spoke with people from the club, with those I should have spoken to. The best for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfill my dream."
The best for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfill my dream.
Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.