rewrite this title Atletico tell Barcelona to put up or shut up over Alvarez

Atletico Madrid have told Barcelona to pay €500m if they want to sign Julian Alvarez.

In the wake of Argentina’s World Cup win over Austria, Alvarez told the press he wished to leave Atletico.

Alvarez joined Atletico in 2024 from Manchester City. In the past two seasons, he has scored 49 goals in 106 games for Diego Simeone’s team, five more goals than any of his team-mates in that time.

The 26-year-old’s 66 goal involvements is 18 more than next-best Antoine Griezmann for Atletico (48) since the start of the 2024-25 campaign, but Alvarez is at the centre of a transfer saga this summer.

Barcelona have been credited with a long-standing interest, while Atletico’s rivals Real Madrid lodged a €150m bid, which was rejected.

However, in light of Alvarez’s comments on Monday, Atletico directed their ire at Barca.

In a statement reported by Spanish publication AS, Atletico sources stated: “We’ve seen how Barcelona operates in the past.

“There is no amount Barcelona can pay for Julian, and he will not be transferred to Barcelona.”

However, Atletico then claimed the only way for Barca to sign Alvarez would be to pay his full release clause.

“Either they pay the €500m release clause or nothing,” the statement continued.

Atletico also suggested they would be taking legal action against Barca.

Alvarez’s comments caused an immediate stir, with the forward telling ESPN: “I can’t hide, nor act as if I don’t want to be clear, I’m trying to be honest.

“I spoke with people at Atletico, and I think the best thing for everyone involved is for me to leave.

“I want to fulfil my dream.”