Sports Correspondent|Atlético Madrid have officially ended speculation linking Julián Alvarez with a move to Barcelona, declaring on Thursday that the transfer “is 100% over”.
In a strongly worded statement, the club confirmed its Board of Directors had unanimously agreed not to enter into any negotiations with the Catalan giants over the Argentine forward.
“WE WILL NOT SELL JULIÁN ALVAREZ TO BARCELONA,” the club declared.
Atlético said the decision was based on what it called a lack of professionalism from Barcelona during their approach.
“The members of Atlético Madrid’s Board of Directors have unanimously expressed their full support for the club’s decision not to negotiate the transfer of Julián Alvarez to FC Barcelona,” the statement read.
The La Liga side emphasized that while it respects the transfer market, any deal must be handled ethically.
“Atlético Madrid is open to negotiations that are part of the transfer market, but always in an ethical and professional manner and with respect between clubs,” the club said.
“We fully support the position previously communicated by the club that FC Barcelona have not met these requirements and, as a result, there have been no negotiations, nor will there be any negotiations with them regarding Álvarez.”
Atlético also expressed confidence that Alvarez will remain committed despite the transfer rumors.
“We are convinced that our player will understand the decision and then focus on working in the best possible way to help the club achieve its objectives, as he did already done during the two seasons in which he has defended our colours.”
The announcement brings a firm end to weeks of reports linking the 2022 World Cup winner with a switch to Camp Nou.
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