Atlético Madrid Reject Real Madrid’s €150m Bid for Julián Álvarez
Atlético Madrid have firmly rejected a €150 million offer from city rivals Real Madrid for Argentine striker Julián Álvarez. The development was confirmed on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, when Real Madrid issued an official statement detailing their formal bid and Atlético’s swift rejection.
In a rare public disclosure, Real Madrid announced: “Real Madrid C.F. announces that, following today’s Board of Directors meeting, it has made an offer of 150 million euros to Club Atlético de Madrid for the federative rights of the player Julián Álvarez.”
Atlético Madrid responded promptly, thanking Real Madrid for the offer while citing Álvarez’s high
release clause (reportedly around €500 million) as the reason for rejection.
The club emphasised the “good relations” between the two sides but made it clear there would be no
negotiation at the proposed figure.
Atlético’s firm stance reflects their desire to keep the 26-year-old World Cup winner, who joined them
from Manchester City in 2024 for approximately €95 million and has performed strongly since then.
The bid comes shortly after Florentino Pérez’s re-election as Real Madrid president. During his
campaign, Pérez promised to make a major “galáctico” signing. Álvarez emerged as the target, despite
the intense rivalry between the two Madrid clubs.
Álvarez is under contract with Atlético until 2030. Reports indicate he has been linked with other clubs,
including Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, but Atlético remain determined to retain him unless his
release clause is met.
The news has sparked intense debate among fans and pundits. Many view the bid as a bold statement
from Real Madrid, while Atlético’s rejection and pointed response have been celebrated by their
supporters.
The episode adds another chapter to the fierce Madrid derby rivalry, both on and off the pitch.
Julián Álvarez remains an Atlético Madrid player and the transfer situation remains ongoing.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
