Laporta Keeps Barcelona’s Door Open as Atlético Declares “0% Chance” for Julián Álvarez

The Julián Álvarez transfer saga has taken another dramatic turn, with Atlético Madrid publicly shutting the door on a potential move to Barcelona while Joan Laporta continues to insist that the Catalan giants remain interested in signing the Argentine striker.

Atlético’s latest position, reported by MARCA, is unequivocal: there is “0% chance” of Álvarez being sold to Barcelona. The Madrid club says the dispute is no longer simply about the value of a potential transfer, arguing that the prolonged saga has damaged Atlético both economically and socially.

The club has also strongly rejected the narrative surrounding Álvarez’s situation, arguing that the player has been presented as the principal victim when Atlético believes it is the institution that has suffered most from the controversy. The club further alleges that “lies and half-truths” have contributed to the situation and says it intends to continue defending its interests through the appropriate football authorities.

The confrontation intensified after Laporta once again publicly addressed the transfer on Wednesday. The Barcelona president confirmed that his club remains “very interested” in Álvarez and said Barça would be willing to complete the signing if Atlético were prepared to negotiate. He also maintained that Barcelona’s approach had been conducted respectfully.

That position is directly at odds with Atlético’s stance. The Madrid club has already complained to FIFA over what it considers improper approaches involving Barcelona and the player’s camp. The complaint adds a formal dimension to a dispute that has increasingly spilled beyond ordinary transfer negotiations.

Álvarez remains under contract with Atlético, while the club continues to insist that it does not intend to strengthen a direct domestic rival. Reports indicate that the Argentine’s future has become increasingly complicated by the public nature of the disagreement, with Atlético determined to protect its sporting and institutional interests.

For now, Barcelona continue to push, Laporta continues to leave the door open, and Atlético have drawn a line in the sand.

For Julián Álvarez to become a Barcelona player, Atlético Madrid are making it clear that something fundamental would have to change — because, as things stand, their answer is simply: 0%.