Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez quickly fulfilled a campaign promise. Two days after his re-election, the Merengue club made a formal proposal of €150 million (around R$900 million) to Atlético de Madrid for Argentine striker Julián Álvarez.
Real Madrid announced the offer through an official statement on the club’s website this Tuesday (9). The amount represents double the amount paid by Atlético to Manchester City in 2024, when they signed the player for €75 million.
Atlético de Madrid responded on the same note as Real, thanking the proposal made within the framework of “good relations” between the clubs, but rejecting it immediately. The colchoneros cited the striker’s release clause, valued at around €500 million.
Campaign promise becomes official offer
During the re-election campaign, Pérez had guaranteed, without mentioning names, the signing of a high-level player valued at 150 million euros. The choice of Julián Álvarez surprised some of the press, but it fits the profile of a versatile striker, World Cup champion and with good recent performance.
Álvarez, 26 years old, is experiencing a moment of significant appreciation. In two seasons at Atlético, his market price practically doubled, reflecting consistency in La Liga and in the Argentine national team, where he is focused on defending the world title.
Fierce rivalry and impact on the market
The move highlights the historic rivalry between Real and Atlético, which makes direct transfers between the two clubs difficult. Atlético keeps the player under contract until 2030 and has already treated other surveys with disdain, including from Barcelona.
For Real Madrid, the proposal signals the intention to reinforce the attack with a young name proven in major competitions. Even with the refusal, the public action raises Álvarez’s status in the market and puts pressure on Atlético to reinforce his permanence.
Julián Álvarez has accumulated important titles in his career, including the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. His versatility as a center forward or second striker makes him a coveted piece for European giants.
