Atletico Madrid has launched a pointed critique at their long-time rivals, Barcelona, over their interest in Julian Alvarez. This spat has unfolded through a series of unusual social media posts where Atletico accused Barcelona of orchestrating a ‘smear campaign’ against them.
Recent reports from Spain have highlighted Atletico’s strong stance against both Arsenal and Barcelona regarding Alvarez. The club has reportedly issued a stern warning, making it clear that while they are monitoring Alvarez closely, they will not entertain offers unless a significant sum, believed to be around £130 million, is tabled.
Julian Alvarez, once a forward for Manchester City, is allegedly eager to leave Atletico Madrid and has his sights set particularly on a move to Barcelona. He has been firm in his decision not to renew his contract with Atletico.
The first post showed Barca’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal wearing an Atletico kit in an edited image. The caption read: ‘HERE WE GO! We have sent a fax to @FCBarcelona_es with our transfer offer: 4 tickets for tomorrow’s Bad Bunny concert, an annual subscription to ABC, and a bag of sunflower seeds. We eagerly await the response to prepare the “announce (sic)”.’
A second post, shared just a minute later, featured the same theme, but this time with midfielder Pedri. The caption read: ‘HERE WE GO! For this second offer we’ve had a problem, we’ve run out of tickets for tomorrow’s concert, so we improve the previous proposal with 6 for the one on Sunday.’
Atletico Madrid have taken aim at Barcelona in a series of sarcastic posts on social media
The two sides have been involved in a public spat over Barcelona’s interest in Julian Alvarez
In a whimsical twist, Atletico’s social media account shared an edited image featuring Raphinha, remarking, “HERE WE GO! And to sweeten the deal, we’re all in, offering a one-season loan with no buying option, exchanging Tom Ford and Smith.” The message playfully suggested an irresistible offer, underscoring the tension between the clubs.
The Argentine striker Alvarez has made a significant impact at Atletico, scoring 49 goals in 106 appearances. He reportedly believes that a move to Barcelona would enhance his prospects of securing major titles, more so than staying with Atletico or moving to Arsenal.
Despite four years remaining on his contract, which includes a hefty €500 million (£430 million) release clause, there are claims that Atletico might consider parting ways with Alvarez for a lower fee of £130 million.
Alvarez’s agent Fernando Hidalgo increased speculation over his client’s possible move to Barcelona after sharing a post on social media of him travelling into the city.
A further post from Atletico read: ‘Finally, we want to take this opportunity to categorically deny that we have made an offer to the sporting director of FC Barcelona to join our scouting team in the Brazilian market,’ in reference to Deco.
They continued: ‘No, Atletico de Madrid would never do something like that. However, in recent months, we’ve been suffering a smear campaign against one of our players. Leaked information with ulterior motives, “fake news”, constant disrespect, the cule version of the propaganda machine inventing little stories, calls before direct matchups.
‘But of course, it wouldn’t occur to us either to have the referees’ vice president on our payroll or to resort to political favors to register players. RESPECT and VALUES.’
They had initially said they were going to ‘publish a statement about a relevant matter that is generating numerous pieces of disinformation,’ and shared a video of a lion chasing a group of people, before it was revealed to be a dog. The caption read: ‘Barca trying to sign one of your players.’
Madrid also took aim at Barca sporting director Deco, who is in charge of brokering club deals
Spanish publication Marca reported on Thursday that Atletico Madrid has said they were ‘tired of months of lies, half-truths, harassment of our players in mixed zones, and absurd questions that are all part of a pre-arranged campaign’.
They added that Alvarez was ‘not for sale’.
The outcry came as Barcelona were readying to officially announce Anthony Gordon as their player in a £70million move.
Gordon was initially set to be announced at midday, but, as of 8pm BST, he had still not been unveiled.
It is understood that Barca still want to sign Marcus Rashford this season, but on another loan, as well as Gordon and Alvarez.
