Atletico Madrid chief rules out Barcelona move for Julian Alvarez

Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin has firmly rejected Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez, insisting the Argentine forward will “never, ever” be sold to the Catalan giants.

Gil Marin’s comments came after Barcelona president reiterated on Wednesday that the club remained “very interested” in signing Alvarez. Atletico, however, have made it clear that they have no intention of negotiating with their LaLiga rivals over the forward.

Speaking to Movistar Plus following Thursday’s Champions League league-phase draw, Gil Marin delivered a strong response and accused Barcelona of a lack of honesty and professionalism.

“The truth is that it outrages us even more; we are repulsed by the dishonesty, the lack of ethics, transparency and professionalism, and we can only insist that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances,” Gil Marin said.

He also stressed that the club’s entire hierarchy is united behind the decision to block any potential transfer.

“I have the support of everyone working with me, from shareholders to directors, and the only certain and firm decision is that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances,” he added.

“You have my word – which is one of the few things I have – the player will most certainly not be transferred to Barcelona.”

Barcelona Hit Back at Atletico

Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste responded angrily to Gil Marin’s comments, accusing the Atletico chief of crossing a line with his remarks.

“It is a lack of manners and respect,” Yuste told Movistar.

“With those words, they’ve crossed a red line.”

Earlier on Thursday, Atletico’s board of directors unanimously reaffirmed the club’s position on Julian Alvarez, ruling out negotiations with Barcelona and stating that there was “zero consideration” of transferring the forward to the Catalan club.

Atletico Concerned About Alvarez

Gil Marin also revealed that the ongoing speculation has affected Alvarez, claiming the forward is currently confused and under significant pressure.

“Julian is really struggling; there have been people who have set out to deceive and confuse him, and I’m very sorry about that,” he said.

The Atletico chief insisted that he knows the player well and believes the 27-year-old remains a highly valued member of the squad.

“I know him and we’ve been working with him for some time; he’s a great professional and footballer, but he’s very confused and going through a very difficult time, both personally and professionally.”

Alvarez’s Atletico Future Remains Uncertain

While Gil Marin ruled out a move to Barcelona, he did not completely close the door on Alvarez leaving Atletico if the player decides that his future lies elsewhere.

However, his preference remains for the Argentine to stay in Madrid.

“Our intention and my personal dream is for him to stay with us, to remain at Atletico,” Gil Marin said.

“To compete amongst the greats, you need great players, and Julian is one.”

He added that Atletico would be prepared to explore other options if Alvarez no longer believes remaining at the club is possible.

“If he believes that staying at Atletico Madrid is no longer feasible, we will look for an alternative, but it will never, ever be Barcelona.”

For now, Atletico’s stance appears unequivocal: Alvarez may have a future away from Madrid, but a move to Barcelona is firmly off the table.