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Julian Alvarez trade update: Atletico responds to Barcelona's bid with cheeky Lamine reference
Diego Simeone’s camp appears determined to keep Julián Álvarez and prevent transfer rumors from gaining momentum among fans.
FC Barcelona are in hot pursuit in the transfer window, as within a day of signing Englishman Anthony Gordon for €80 million, they have begun closing in on a deal to sign Julián Álvarez from Atlético Madrid.
Initial reports revealed that FC Barcelona had submitted a €100 million offer to Atlético Madrid for Julián Álvarez without including any players in the deal. However, reports on Friday morning stated that Atlético rejected the proposal.
Nevertheless, the updates and rumors have not slowed down, with inside reports suggesting that Argentine forward Julián Álvarez has made up his mind to leave the Metropolitano and is now seeking a transfer away from Atlético Madrid.
However, the Rojiblancos do not appear to be pleased with the transfer rumors surrounding Julián Álvarez, and they surprised everyone with a social media post featuring Lamine Yamal and two other Barcelona players.
Atlético Madrid shares fake Lamine Yamal transfer announcement
Atlético Madrid made an announcement through their social media handles on Friday morning that appeared to replicate a breaking transfer reveal, even using the famous three-word phrase “Here we go,” popularly associated with transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano when announcing transfer news.
The post featured Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Raphinha wearing the red-and-white stripes, portraying it as if Atlético had secured their transfers. However, the caption clarified it was a fake post.
“And remember, it took us just five minutes to create this fake post. We live in an era where reality can be altered. Don’t believe everything you see, especially if it’s related to Barça,” read the translated English version of the Spanish caption shared by Atlético Madrid.
This appears to be a strong indication that Diego Simeone’s camp is determined to keep Julián Álvarez at the club and do not want the transfer rumors gaining traction or credibility among fans.
Atlético Madrid also took a direct dig at Barcelona by mocking the proposal rumors in another social media post. The club wrote, “We have sent a fax to Barcelona with our offer: 4 tickets for tomorrow’s 𝐁𝐚𝐝 𝐁𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐲 concert + annual subscription to ABC and a bag of sunflower seeds. We eagerly await the response to prepare the announcement.”
Earlier, the Metropolitano camp had also denied receiving any official €100 million bid from the Catalan club for Julián Álvarez, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Julián Álvarez earns spot in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad
Amid the transfer buzz, Julián Álvarez will now turn his attention toward his second FIFA World Cup campaign with Argentina national football team after being included in the 26-member squad selected by Lionel Scaloni.
The 26-year-old played a crucial role in La Albiceleste’s title-winning 2022 World Cup campaign, scoring four goals during the tournament, including a stunning solo-run finish against Croatia national football team in the semifinal.
Bernardo Silva linked with Barcelona and Atlético
Meanwhile, early reports on Friday suggested that Bernardo Silva could become the latest player at the center of a transfer battle between FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, with the Portuguese midfielder expected to leave Manchester City F.C. as a free agent next season.
Both clubs have reportedly submitted bids for Silva, who is expected to move to Spain ahead of the new campaign.
