Transfer Rumour Unconfirmed · Gaining tractionFootball EspanaUnverified sourceVia Fabrizio Romano· 12 Sept 2026
Deco Denies Barça Pushed Álvarez to Force Atlético Exit
Barcelona's sporting director has rejected Atlético's suspicion that the club encouraged Julián Álvarez to go public with his desire to leave.
J. Álvarez
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What happened. Barcelona sporting director Deco denied that the club told Julián Álvarez to publicly express his desire to leave Atlético Madrid. The denial responds to a long-held Atlético suspicion that Barça were behind the Argentine's comments.
- Álvarez admitted during the 2026 World Cup that he wanted to leave Atlético.
- Deco said Barcelona approached Atlético with respect and were told Álvarez was not for sale.
- Fabrizio Romano read the remarks as evidence Barça still covet Álvarez.
“The club approached Atlético with respect, and Atlético made their position clear from the very outset: Álvarez was not for sale.”
— Deco
Both clubs have stated their versions and neither has budged, while Barcelona's admiration for Álvarez remains unchanged.
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