Atletico de Madrid say Julian Alvarez dispute has become a matter of ‘dignity’

Atletico de Madrid have launched an angry response to the continuing speculation over Julian Alvarez’s future, insisting the club is the only victim of a saga involving the Argentina striker, his representatives and Barcelona.

Official sources at Atletico de Madrid told Marca that they rejected the suggestion Alvarez should be viewed as the wronged party. One senior club figure said: “The player is being presented as the victim, but the only victim in Julian’s case is us.”

The dispute is not solely about the possibility of Alvarez leaving the Spanish capital. Atletico’s leadership is also unhappy with the way the situation has been handled over a number of months, arguing that the continuing reports of Barcelona’s interest have caused both economic and social damage.

“They have harmed us economically and socially,” the club sources said.

Atletico believe the situation has gone beyond the normal boundaries of negotiations between clubs. In their view, the prolonged uncertainty has affected the club’s public image and its relationship with supporters, while repeated discussion of Alvarez’s desire to move has kept the future of one of their leading players at the centre of attention.

The club has delivered its strongest message by claiming there is no possibility of Alvarez joining Barcelona.

“There is a 0% chance of selling him to Barcelona,” Atletico sources said.

That position is not expected to change even if Barcelona improve their offer. Barcelona president Joan Laporta previously revealed a proposal worth 100m euros, but Atletico say the dispute is no longer about the financial value of a transfer.

“This issue is not about money… it is about dignity,” the source added.

The statement indicates Atletico do not want to enter negotiations with Barcelona over Alvarez, regardless of how high a bid might be.

The Madrid club also accused those involved in the saga of creating a media narrative that does not present the full picture.

“A campaign full of lies and half-truths has been created… and Atletico are the only ones paying the price,” the sources said.

Atletico’s criticism has also extended to Alvarez’s entourage, particularly his agent Fernando Hidalgo. The club believes Hidalgo played an important role in the developments that have led to the current impasse.

The club is preparing to update a complaint it had previously submitted so that it includes the latest actions and developments involving Barcelona and the player’s agent. That move underlines Atletico’s determination not to allow the matter to end quietly.

According to Marca, Alvarez turned down a contract renewal proposal in March that would have made him Atletico’s highest-paid player. The proposed salary was 10m euros, an increase from his current 7m euros.

Atletico had also set a deadline for a formal offer of 150m euros, excluding commissions, to arrive at the club’s offices. That proposal was expected by 20 June, but it never arrived.

The club therefore believes it has done everything it can and has been left to deal with the consequences while speculation about a move to Barcelona has continued.

Despite the severity of its criticism, Atletico have stressed that their position in the transfer dispute is separate from Alvarez’s health. The striker missed training on the day of the latest developments after feeling unwell, and the club said it would provide him with full support and medical assistance.

Atletico added that its medical staff would remain available to Alvarez until he was ready to return to the group.

However, the club is unhappy that sensitive issues, including mental health, anxiety and depression, have been brought into the dispute. Atletico said it treats those matters seriously and would not abandon the player if he needed help.