Atletico Madrid president rejects Barcelona's Julian Alvarez transfer deadline
Enrique Cerezo has dismissed Joan Laporta's ultimatum regarding Julian Alvarez, insisting the forward remains an Atletico Madrid player.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: AnatolyPm
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has issued a firm response to Barcelona's attempts to pressure the club over the future of Julian Alvarez. Despite the Argentina international submitting a transfer request during the ongoing 2026 World Cup, Atletico remains adamant that the striker will continue under the stewardship of Diego Simeone.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta had previously warned that his club's offer for the forward was not open-ended. Laporta insisted that they would not be rushed into a deal, stating that the offer would only remain valid until an alternative was found.
Joan Laporta is a good friend, he’s a great president, and he knows very well, as do all of you, where Julian Alvarez will be playing next year. Enrique Cerezo
When asked about the potential for forgiving the forward's actions that sparked the transfer speculation, Cerezo noted that everyone makes mistakes and that the situation can be resolved. The player remains under contract with the Spanish club until June 2030.
Clarity regarding the forward's long-term future is expected to emerge only after his international duties conclude. Alvarez is currently preparing for the World Cup final, where Argentina is set to face Spain.