Real Madrid’s bid to sign Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez ended in disappointment after their city rivals had a €150 million bid rejected.The Spanish giants confirmed the bid in an official statement on Tuesday, announcing what would have been the biggest transfer in football history. However, Atletico decided not to negotiate and instead indicated the Argentine striker’s release clause.Alvarez enjoyed an excellent 2025–26 campaign, scoring 20 goals and providing nine assists in 49 appearances for Atletico. His performances attracted the interest of several top clubs, with Real Madrid making the first big move.
Real Madrid have confirmed the record-breaking offer.
In their statement, Real Madrid revealed the details of the proposal made after the meeting of the board of directors.“Real Madrid CF has announced that, following today’s board of directors meeting, it has made an offer of 150 million euros to Club Atletico de Madrid for the federal rights of the player Julian Alvarez,” the statement read.The club added that Atletico appreciated the approach but refused to sell.“After studying and evaluating it, Atletico de Madrid has thanked the club for the offer made within the framework of the existing good relationship between the two clubs, and has rejected it citing the player’s release clause,” Real Madrid’s statement added.
Atletico’s social media response
The backlash quickly became the talk of the town online after Atletico Madrid mocked their rivals on social media. Shortly after Real’s announcement, Atletico responded with laughing emojis, a post that quickly gained traction among soccer fans.The development comes a day after Real Madrid president Florentino Perez secured another four-year term in the club’s presidential election. Ahead of the vote, Perez had hinted that the club were preparing a €150 million move for a major signing, with many expecting a headline-grabbing transfer announcement.Instead, Real Madrid’s pursuit of Alvarez ended, at least for now, with a public backlash from their neighbors and some social media banter.
