Speaking to ESPN in the mixed zone at the Dallas, Texas stadium immediately after the match, the Argentina forward admitted it was not the right time to discuss a club transfer, but he did not want to evade the topic or pretend nothing was happening.

"I always try to be honest and I have spoken with the authorities at Atletico. I believe the best outcome for all parties is a transfer, and I want to fulfill my dream," Alvarez said.

Immediately following the star's statement, through Spanish newspaper AS, Atletico announced it would sue Barca at the FIFA Sports Tribunal for illegally approaching a player still under contract.

"We are very familiar with Barca's operational methods, as they have employed these tactics many times," AS quoted additional information from Atletico. The Madrid club recalled how Barca had previously lured Antoine Griezmann with promises while the forward was preparing with Atletico to face Juventus in the Champions League, and how Barca had spread rumors last summer about an imminent signing of Nico Williams from Bilbao, which ultimately failed.

Alvarez celebrates a goal during the Atletico Madrid - Real Sociedad match in the Copa del Rey final at La Cartuja stadium, Seville, Spain on 19/4. *Photo: Reuters*

Earlier, on 22/6, Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reported exclusively that Alvarez only wished to join Barca, despite being pursued by both Arsenal and PSG. According to the newspaper, the 26-year-old forward was considering giving Barca the "green light". He and his agent, Fernando Hidalgo, understood that a public statement expressing his desire to leave could pave the way for negotiations between the two clubs. The only issue was the timing and method of delivering the message.

When the 2025-2026 season concluded, Spanish media reported that Barca wanted to sign Alvarez. However, Atletico reacted strongly, stating they did not want to sell their star player to a rival. The Metropolitano-based club's social media platforms even publicly mocked Barca, claiming the Catalan club was only spreading false rumors and had not sent any offer. At the same time, Atletico also declared that Alvarez had always shown professionalism and would continue with the team in the new season.

However, Mundo Deportivo reported the opposite, stating that Barca had, in fact, sent a formal offer worth 100 million euro (approximately 114 million USD) to Atletico for Alvarez. Sporting Director Deco himself had emailed CEO Mateu Alemany to express goodwill with a specific price, but received only silence in return.

The same Barcelona-based newspaper also reported that Alvarez's agent later met with Deco at the Torre Melina hotel in Barcelona to outline a feasible strategy for the transfer. The meeting was also attended by transfer intermediaries Juanma Lopez (a former Atletico player) and Andy Bara. Barca did not want to pressure or rush Alvarez into making a move, as they knew he was fully focused on the 2026 World Cup.

Julian Alvarez during the Argentina - Austria match in the 2026 World Cup group stage at the Dallas, Texas stadium, USA on 22/6. *Photo: AFP*

Alvarez's statement that he "had spoken" with Atletico authorities is believed to have occurred several months ago. At that time, the Madrid club's leadership had promised to pave the way for the forward to leave if he maintained that intention at the end of the 2025-2026 season.

Alvarez's current contract with Atletico is valid until 2030, with a release clause of 500 million euro (approximately 578 million USD). Last season, Alvarez scored 20 goals in 49 matches for Atletico. He performed more prominently in the Champions League with 10 goals in 15 matches, while scoring eight goals in La Liga. In the 2024-2025 season, the Argentina forward scored 29 goals in 57 matches.

However, since joining the team from Man City in summer 2024, Alvarez has yet to win any trophies. Barca reportedly views him as a strategic and vital signing. The club's transfer plans have completely shifted from reinforcing the defense to focusing on the forward position, where Alvarez is the top 1 priority.

Real Madrid had also sent a formal offer worth 150 million euro (approximately 173 million USD) to inquire about signing Alvarez two days after President Florentino Perez was re-elected. The Santiago Bernabeu-based team publicly announced their interest on their homepage. In response, Atletico flatly refused.