AFCON 2025
Spanish giants Real Madrid have confirmed that a massive €150 million bid for Julián Alvarez has been rejected by city rivals Atletico Madrid.
The offer was revealed shortly after club president Florentino Pérez secured another term in office, defeating challenger Enrique Riquelme with 65 percent of the vote in the club’s presidential election.
During the campaign, Pérez repeatedly hinted that he was preparing a blockbuster move for a world-class player if re-elected. Speculation among supporters linked Real Madrid with several top stars, including Michael Olise and João Neves. It has now emerged that Alvarez was the player targeted by Los Blancos.
A statement released by Real Madrid confirmed the approach.
“Real Madrid made a €150 million offer to Atlético Madrid for Julián Álvarez’s federative rights after today’s board meeting. Atlético thanked the bid, in the spirit of good relations between the clubs, but rejected it, referring to the player’s release clause.”
Atletico Madrid responded with a strongly worded statement, making it clear that the Argentine forward is not for sale.
“We do NOT thank you for anything. We are NOT studying or considering any bid for Julián. Taking advantage of the good relationship with your new president, let’s see if you stop ‘stealing’ players from our Academy. Thanks a lot, Real Madrid!” the club stated.
The rejection comes despite the fact that the €150 million offer would have comfortably surpassed Real Madrid’s current transfer record. Their most expensive signing remains Jude Bellingham, who joined from Borussia Dortmund for €127 million in 2023. Other nine-figure signings include Eden Hazard (€121 million) and Gareth Bale (€101 million).
Alvarez, currently valued at €100 million, remains one of the most sought-after forwards in world football. Atletico Madrid have reportedly pointed to the player’s €500 million release clause as the only figure that would trigger a transfer.
The 26-year-old has also attracted interest from Barcelona, whose offer earlier in the transfer window was likewise rejected, underlining Atletico’s determination to keep hold of one of their most valuable assets.
