Atletico Madrid CEO Gil Marin has told Barcelona that not even €200 million will be enough to land Julian Alvarez and has also taken aim at Joan Laporta.
Marin claims that Laporta is well aware that Alvarez will not be sold this summer but says that he’s putting on an act by claiming Barcelona can sign the Argentina star.
“On this issue he is acting for his particular circle. He has known for a long time that Julián Álvarez is not going to play for Barça this season,” he told the club’s media.
“I know
‘Jan’ enough to think that he is permanently acting for the media, for the fans, for his particular circus and he doesn’t offend me. I have a good personal relationship with him. I spoke personally with him and told him: ‘please, let him be, we don’t want to sell him and we are not going to sell him, stop insisting.’
“But he maintains that situation, because in part he likes it, he is frivolous and he loves to maintain this relationship with the fans and with the media, but he knows perfectly well that Julián is not going to play for Barcelona next season. However, he likes to keep that game going with fans and with the media… And the worst, with Julián himself.”
Alvarez has said he wants out of Atletico but Marin feels he’s been badly advised and could change his stance.
“We know Julián well, having worked closely with him over the past two seasons, and we have no doubts about his character and his outstanding professionalism,” he added.
“I believe he has been poorly advised since the end of the season, but I am convinced that his performance and behaviour will continue to be impeccable, in keeping with his reputation as a great player, a good person and an excellent professional.”
Laporta has also said Barcelona are looking at alternatives to Alvarez, while Barcelona will need to make a decision soon on the No. 9 position as Hansi Flick’s side are already back in pre-season.
