Atletico Madrid rejected a £129 million bid from Real Madrid for striker Julian Alvarez, according to Sky Sports. The club made this move on May 27, 2026, while playfully mocking their rivals on social media.[3]
What happened
Real Madrid confirmed their bid for Julian Alvarez on May 27, 2026. Despite the club’s good relations with Atletico, their offer was declined. Atletico’s statement emphasized Alvarez’s hefty £431 million release clause. “We neither study nor consider any offer for Julian,” they stated.
“You make us laugh even more than Barcelona,” the official Atletico Madrid social media team declared.
Atletico not only rejected the offer but also ridiculed Real Madrid on social media, ensuring it was clear they had no intention of selling the player, who is under contract until 2030. The club humorously referenced Real’s recent player acquisitions, stating, “Let’s see if you stop ‘stealing’ players from our Academy.”[1]
Why it matters
This significant development indicates Atletico’s commitment to retaining their star striker amid mounting interest from their local rivals. Real Madrid’s ambitions to acquire top talent could be hindered as they face increasing resistance from Atletico, underscoring the tension in their competitive relationship.[2]
Background
On May 20, 2026, Atletico Madrid was involved in another transfer saga when they accused Barcelona of a “smear campaign” in their efforts to sign Alvarez. The club faced similar ridicule from Atletico, who shared parody images of Barcelona players in Atletico gear.
Earlier this month, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez pledged to pursue a major signing, boosting anticipation for potential big-money transfers this summer.
What’s next
The next critical moment for both clubs will arrive on June 1, 2026, when Real Madrid is expected to announce a major transfer deal, in line with Perez’s recent statements about pursuing a significant player acquisition.
