Atletico mock Real Madrid after rejecting blockbuster bid for Julian Alvarez
Atlético Madrid publicly mocked city rivals Real Madrid after rejecting a club-record €150m bid for Julian Alvarez, the striker identified as a transfer target for Florentino Perez following his re-election as club president.
Real Madrid confirmed the approach in an official statement on Tuesday, revealing that the Spanish giants have made a formal offer for the Argentina international. The offer, which would be the most expensive transfer in the club’s history, was quickly rejected by Atletico.
The proposal came just days after Perez secured another term as Real Madrid president. During his election campaign, the 79-year-old promised his fans a major contract and hinted that the club would make a massive bid for the Champions League front-runner.
Real Madrid said Atlético rejected the offer, citing Alvarez’s release clause.
“Following today’s meeting of the Real Madrid CF Board of Directors, Club Atletico de Madrid has made an offer of 150 million euros for the federation rights of the player Julian Alvarez. After reviewing and evaluating the offer, Club Atletico de Madrid expressed its gratitude for the proposal made within the framework of good relations between the two clubs,” the club said in a statement on the player’s statement, referring to the player’s statement.
ATLETICO MOCK REAL
However, Atlético’s reaction quickly moved beyond a formal rejection.
The club reposted Real Madrid’s statement on social media alongside a series of laughing emoticons before issuing a strongly worded response aimed at their city rivals.
“You must have confused education with gratitude, but to leave no doubt: we are not thanking you for anything. We are neither studying nor considering any offer for Julian. How would we not get along if you make us laugh even more than Barcelona,” Atletico posted.
The exchange escalated further when Atletico followed up with another report referencing Real Madrid’s recruitment of young players from their academy.
“PS Take advantage of the good relationship with your new president and let’s see if you stop ‘stealing’ players from our Academy. Thanks a lot @realmadrid!”
The rejection is a significant setback for Perez, who pledged to make a major signing after winning Sunday’s presidential election. In a speech before the vote, Perez hinted at the impending move.
“Around Tuesday I will make an offer to a big club in the Champions League for a great player. It would be the biggest transfer fee that Real Madrid have ever paid in their history,” Perez told Spanish TV show Horizonte.
Alvarez has emerged as one of Atlético’s most important players since his arrival from Manchester City in 2024. The Argentine forward enjoyed a prolific first full season under Diego Simeone, scoring 20 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions and playing a key role in Atlético’s progress to the Champions League semi-finals.
Reports in Spain suggest Alvarez’s contract includes a €500m release clause, a figure Atletico appear determined to push through despite growing interest from Europe’s biggest clubs. Barcelona also saw a bid for the 26-year-old rejected last week.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
10 Jun 2026 07:48 IST