Real Madrid recently made a 150 million euro offer for striker Julian Alvarez, which was rejected by city rivals Atletico Madrid. The bid followed Real president Florentino Perez’s pledge to make a significant offer for an unnamed player if he were re-elected. After successfully retaining his position, Perez proceeded with the offer for the Argentina forward.
Atletico Madrid, however, turned down the proposal, citing Alvarez’s release clause of 500 million euros. In a statement, Real Madrid confirmed their offer to Club Atletico de Madrid for the federative rights of Alvarez. They noted that Atletico Madrid expressed gratitude for the proposal, made within the framework of good relations between the clubs, but ultimately rejected it by referring to the player’s release clause.
Atletico’s social media response
Atletico Madrid responded to Real Madrid’s statement on social media with a series of laughing emojis. In a subsequent post, Atletico stated, “You must have confused education with gratitude, but to leave no doubt: we don’t thank you for anything.” The club further added, “We neither study nor consider any offer for Julian. How could we not get along, when you make us laugh even more than Barcelona does.”
The social media exchange continued with Atletico’s final post, which included a postscript: “P.S. Taking advantage of the good relationship with your new president, let’s see if you stop ‘stealing’ players from our Academy. Thanks a lot, @realmadrid!” This alludes to past instances of Real Madrid signing youth players from Atletico’s academy.
Alvarez, who was part of the Argentina squad that won the 2022 World Cup, joined Atletico Madrid in 2024. During the last season, he scored 20 goals in 49 appearances for Atletico, contributing to their fourth-place finish in the table and their progression to the Champions League semi-finals.
Managerial changes at Real Madrid
In other news, Real Madrid has confirmed the departure of head coach Alvaro Arbeloa. Jose Mourinho is expected to be appointed as his replacement. Arbeloa was promoted from his role leading Real Madrid B in January, taking over from former teammate Xabi Alonso. He had confirmed before the end of the season that he would not continue after a campaign without trophies.
The re-appointment of Benfica head coach Mourinho, who previously managed the Spanish club from 2010 to 2013, was a key part of Perez’s election campaign. Mourinho had signed a three-year deal in May, contingent on Perez winning an extended term as president. Real Madrid expressed gratitude to Arbeloa in a statement, highlighting his loyalty, commitment, and professionalism throughout his time at the club, from his youth academy days.
Perez had previously indicated that his ‘galactico’ target would be a player from midfield who could advance, and not from the Premier League. He had also ruled out names such as Olise, Haaland, and Kane. The president had stated that the offer would be the largest transfer fee Real Madrid had ever paid in its history, aiming to generate excitement among supporters.
The summer transfer window is scheduled to open on June 15 and close on September 1.
Real Madrid also stated, “Real Madrid, which will always be his home, wishes Alvaro Arbeloa and his entire family the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”
The confirmation of Perez’s re-election is also expected to trigger the announcement of Mourinho’s re-appointment as manager. Additionally, the signings of Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries are reportedly set to be announced.
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Source: bbc.com
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