Florentino Pérez fulfilled the promise made in the campaign. The re-elected president of Real Madrid had announced that he would make an offer of 150 million euros for a player considered “Galáctico” this Tuesday. And the name chosen was that of striker Julián Álvarez, from Atlético de Madrid.
However, the proposal sent by Real Madrid was rejected by Atlético de Madrid. “After analyzing and evaluating it, Atlético de Madrid thanked Real Madrid for the offer, made within the framework of the good relationship between the two clubs, and rejected it, referring to the player’s release clause,” Real Madrid said in an official statement.
Official statement from Real Madrid
The Argentine’s release clause is set at 500 million euros, an amount considered unattainable for Real Madrid at the moment. Furthermore, Julián Álvarez has a contract with Atlético de Madrid valid until 2030. As a result, the final decision on a possible future outside the club now depends on the player’s own wishes.
Other failed candidates
When Florentino Pérez announced last week that, if re-elected, he would make “the biggest offer ever for a player”, several names circulated in the press. The president himself immediately ruled out options like Olise, Haaland and Doku.
In the case of Michael Olise, who had been speculated as a possible target, the president of Bayern Munich was direct when talking about Real Madrid’s possible attack. “Michael Olise is a Bayern player, he has a long-term contract. We are not a selling club. If Florentino Pérez wants to make us an offer, which hasn’t happened yet, he can save himself the trouble, not even for 150 million euros or more”, declared Herbert Hainer.
Vitinha or João Neves?
Many eyes also turned to Vitinha and João Neves, the latter identified as one of Florentino Pérez’s favorites. The good relationship between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain makes it difficult for either of them to leave. Both are important pieces in the Parisian squad and practically untouchable for coach Luis Enrique.
With a winning project underway, the options are limited to players who show no desire to remain in Paris, in line with the philosophy defended by Luis Enrique in the dressing room. One of the coach’s principles is that each athlete is clear about where they want to work.
Furthermore, at this moment PSG has not received any sign that Vitinha or João Neves want to leave the club. In the case of Vitinha, seen as one of Real Madrid’s main recent signings in speculation, he recently renewed his contract and there are no clauses that allow unilateral termination by either party.