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Rabat – Real Madrid have confirmed that Atletico Madrid rejected their $150 million offer for Argentine forward Julian Alvarez.
The Spanish giants said they made the bid after a meeting of their board of directors, but Atletico refused to open the door for a deal and referred Madrid to the player’s release clause.
Alvarez, 26, is under contract with Atletico until 2030. Real Madrid are not expected to increase their offer, according to sources close to the situation.
The move came as a surprise because Madrid’s main transfer priorities were believed to be in defense and midfield.
The club have been looking at options at right-back, left-back, center-back, and creative midfield, but the Alvarez bid shows they were also ready to move for a major attacking name.
Atletico hit back publicly
Real Madrid said Atletico had thanked them for the offer and rejected it, within the good relations between the two clubs. Atletico, however, strongly denied that tone.
In a sharp statement on social media, Atletico said they were not thankful for anything and were not considering any offer for Alvarez.
The club also mocked Real Madrid, saying their city rivals “make us laugh even more than Barcelona.” Atletico added a final message asking Madrid to stop taking players from their academy.
The response showed how sensitive the situation is between the two clubs.
Even though both teams are from the same city, their relationship has become increasingly tense in recent years.
Alvarez has become one of Atletico’s most important players since arriving from Manchester City in 2024.
The Argentine forward joined Atletico in a deal that could reach $95 million. Since then, he has delivered strong numbers under Diego Simeone.
This season, Alvarez scored 20 goals in 49 appearances, including 10 in the Champions League. In the 2024-25 campaign, he registered 29 goals in 57 matches.
His work rate, finishing, and ability to play in different attacking roles make him a perfect player for Simeone’s system.
That is why Atletico have no interest in selling him, especially to their biggest local rival.
Real Madrid are not the first Spanish giant to show interest in Alvarez.
Barcelona were also linked with the player earlier, with reports saying the Catalan club were preparing an offer worth around $100 million. Atletico were said to be demanding more.
At the time, Atletico also reacted strongly on social media. The club accused others of spreading false transfer stories and posted several sarcastic messages aimed at Barcelona.
That earlier episode already showed Atletico’s frustration with reports around Alvarez’s future. The latest Real Madrid move has only made the situation more heated.
Perez fulfills transfer promise
The bid also comes after Florentino Perez promised during his election campaign that Real Madrid would make a major offer for a top player.
Perez had said the club would submit a bid worth at least €150 million for a player from an important Champions League club.
He also said the target was not Erling Haaland, Michael Olise, or Jeremy Doku.
Reports later pointed to Alvarez as the player in question. Real Madrid have now confirmed the offer, but Atletico’s answer was immediate and clear.
For some Madrid supporters, the move may raise questions. Alvarez is a top forward, but many fans believe the club needs a leading midfielder or defensive reinforcements more urgently.
The failed bid adds more tension to a rivalry that has already grown in recent years.
Real Madrid and Atletico have faced each other in major Champions League ties, including the 2014 and 2016 finals, both won by Madrid. Those defeats remain painful for Atletico fans.
The relationship has also been affected by disagreements over refereeing, the Super League project, and youth academy moves between the two clubs.
Atletico’s public response to Madrid’s offer shows that this is not just a transfer story. It is also another sign of the growing institutional tension between the two rivals.
