Laporta on Julián Álvarez Negotiations: Atlético Acted Offended

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has shed light on the negotiations with Atlético Madrid for Julián Álvarez.

“They acted offended, even though they couldn't justify their behavior. We did what is typically done: first, there was contact between the clubs, and then I personally reached out to Miguel Ángel Gil (Atlético's CEO). He told me that Julián wouldn't be coming because they didn't have a replacement. After that, their reaction was inappropriate,” Laporta stated.

“I don't know what caused it; I can speculate, but I have no proof. Information reached us that they would sell him to any other club but not to Barcelona. Then they dropped the pretense and stated it openly,” the Catalan president added.

Álvarez pushed for a move to Barcelona throughout the summer, but ultimately, the transfer didn't materialize, and the Argentine remained at Atlético.