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Real’s €150m bid rejected
Real Madrid said it made an offer of 150 million euros to Club Atlético de Madrid for the federative rights of Julián Álvarez following a Board of Directors meeting, but Atletico rejected it by referring to the player’s release clause.
“Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez has received a significant and unexpected boost, coming from the most unlikely of sources: Real Madrid themselves”
Atletico’s response on social media mocked Real’s “good relations” framing, saying: “You must have confused education with gratitude, but to leave no doubt: we don't thank you for anything.”
The BBC reported that Real’s €150 million offer was rejected after Atletico cited Álvarez’s release clause of €500 million (£430 million).
The BBC also tied the transfer dispute to Real president Florentino Perez’s election promise, noting he pledged to make a €150 million offer for an unnamed “galactico” player if re-elected.
Real’s statement said the bid was made “within the framework of the good relations existing between both clubs,” and Atletico “has rejected it, referring to the player’s release clause.”
Mockery, release clause, and timing
Atletico’s social media posts followed Real’s announcement and included a further jab that “We neither study nor consider any offer for Julian,” while also adding “How could we not get along, when you make us laugh even more than Barcelona does.”
Sky Sports described Atletico’s reaction as mocking rivals after rejecting their £129m (€150m) bid, quoting Atletico’s line: “You make us laugh even more than Barcelona.”
The BBC said Atletico’s rejection came after Real’s offer was turned down over Álvarez’s release clause of €500 million (£430 million).
Real’s bid was also framed as a club-record move by Sky Sports, which reported the offer would be a record transfer for the club and that Atletico reminded Real of Alvarez’s £431m (€500m) release clause.
Sky Sports added that Atletico said they would not consider any offer for their striker, who is contracted until 2030.
What happens next for both
The transfer standoff is unfolding as Real Madrid confirmed a coaching change, with the BBC saying head coach Alvaro Arbeloa will leave and Jose Mourinho set to be appointed in his place.
“Getty Images Agent addresses Bernabeu speculation The footballing world has been set ablaze by rumours that Alvarez could be the subject of a sensational cross-city switch”
Real’s statement quoted by the BBC said it was “deeply grateful to Alvaro Arbeloa,” and described him as demonstrating “loyalty, commitment, and professionalism.”
For Atletico, the stakes are tied directly to whether Álvarez will stay, with the Guardian reporting that the Argentine striker “reportedly wants to leave” and has been linked with Arsenal and Barcelona.
The Guardian also said Álvarez scored 20 goals in 49 matches for Atletico this season, with 10 coming in the Champions League, while his contract runs until 2030.
Real’s €150 million bid being rejected leaves the question of any move dependent on the release clause cited by Atletico, while the BBC noted Real president Florentino Perez had promised the offer after retaining control on Sunday.
