Real Madrid makes an offer of 150 million for Julián Álvarez

BarcelonaNeither Michael Olise, nor Vitinha, nor Harry Kane. As Madrid has just reported through an official statement, the world star that its president, Florentino Pérez, announced a few days ago during the campaign on Iker Jiménez's program was Julián Álvarez. "Real Madrid announces that, after the board meeting held this Tuesday, it has made an offer of 150 million euros to Atlético de Madrid for the federative rights of Julián Álvarez," says the club at the beginning of the statement, which ends with another clear paragraph: "After studying and evaluating it, Atlético de Madrid has appreciated the offer, made within the framework of the good relations between the two clubs, and has rejected it, referring to the player's termination clause".

Julián's freedom costs 500 million euros and the Albiceleste forward is contracted until June 30, 2030. These two premises place Atlético de Madrid in a position of strength regarding a possible departure of their most important player, who in turn is the favorite to strengthen Barça's forward line after the departure of Robert Lewandowski. Implicitly, the fact that the Mattress makers have rejected 150 million for him increases the dream of Joan Laporta and his board, who wanted to take advantage of this summer of financial fair play to operate in the market with all the power they could not exhibit in previous summers.

The Blaugrana club is not satisfied with Anthony Gordon, signed for 80 million euros between fixed and variables and presented a few days ago at the Camp Nou. Besides the Englishman, who fits a hardworking and versatile profile highly valued by Hansi Flick, the main objective is Julián, a forward in his prime (26 years old) who is among the best in the world and who can indeed take on the challenge of filling the void left by Lewandowski. Barça has already contacted the footballer's entourage – to agree on the next five seasons – and could offer 120 million for him, but Madrid's move raises the price of the bet beyond 150, which is a figure that the Blaugrana entity has only paid for Philippe Coutinho in its entire history.

"We'll see you in court"

While in Madrid the news of Madrid's offer for Julián was breaking, Barça's interim president, Rafa Yuste, went on the attack against Florentino with forceful statements. At the annual meeting with the blaugrana senators, the leader defended himself against his white counterpart's accusations regarding the Negreira case. "No one can tarnish Barça's shield. We will see each other in court. We will go after them, because we are sure to win," he exclaimed in front of 144 senators. "It is one thing to defend yourself with pride and another to go around doing certain things. Do you think they can threaten us by saying they will send 500 papers to UEFA? I don't know what this gentleman [referring to Florentino] thinks," said Yuste, who in his speech also promised more signings after Gordon's and a profound restructuring of the basketball section.