Atletico’s Julian Alvarez confirms he wants a transfer: ‘I want to fulfill my dream’

Julian Alvarez says he wishes to seek a transfer from Atletico Madrid.

Alvarez, 26, is at the World Cup with Argentina and was speaking after his country’s 2-0 win over Austria on Monday.

The Athletic reported last month that Barcelona were in talks with Atletico over a potential deal for Alvarez and were preparing a formal offer of around €100million ($116m; £87m) for the forward. Alvarez is Barcelona’s No 1 transfer target and the Catalans are expected to return with a new offer in the coming weeks.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, said in an official statement two weeks ago that they had seen a €150m (£129.3m; $171.4m) bid for Alvarez rejected. Atletico acknowledged the bid in a statement of their own, and club sources with knowledge of the bid, speaking anonymously as they were not authorised to do so publicly, said at the time they did not feel like the offer from Madrid was genuine.

“I can’t hide it,” Alvarez said to ESPN. “I try to be an honest person. I spoke with Atletico de Madrid, and I think a transfer is the best option. I want to fulfill my dream.”

Alvarez’s Atletico contract runs until 2030 after he signed a six-year deal upon his arrival from Manchester City for a fee of up to €95m in the summer of 2024.

The Argentine forward scored 20 goals for Atletico in 2025-26 and has scored 49 times in 106 games for the Spanish side.

Barcelona are seeking forward reinforcements after the departure of Robert Lewandowski on a free transfer. The Polish striker has held talks with MLS club the Chicago Fire.

Madrid, meanwhile, are not expected to come back with an improved offer. Sources at senior level within Atletico are not currently inclined to sanction a major sale, unless presented with an exceptional offer.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco are admirers of Alvarez and the club have been monitoring his situation for the last year.

Alvarez has appeared as a substitute in each of Argentina’s opening World Cup games. His side face Jordan on Saturday (June 28) in their final group-stage fixture.