Atlético Madrid backs Gil Marín and rules out any Barcelona talks for Julián Álvarez

Atlético Madrid's stance on Julián Álvarez leaves no room for doubt. On Thursday, August 27, the club issued a statement in which the Board of Directors, made up of its main shareholders, definitively ruled out any possibility of selling the Argentine striker to FC Barcelona.

Rather than being a personal decision by CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, the support is total. Apollo Global Management, the American investment fund that owns Atlético, fully backs the position maintained by the executive from the very beginning.

• Atlético Madrid officially announced it will not negotiate with Barcelona over Julián Álvarez.
• The Board of Directors showed unanimous backing for the decision, including Apollo fund.
• The club argues that FC Barcelona has failed to meet ethical and professional standards of respect between institutions.
• Atlético's position has remained unchanged since March, when the first contacts began.
• Julián Álvarez has worn the Atlético shirt for two seasons and the club trusts his professionalism.

An official statement that sets the club's position

Atlético Madrid wanted to make things clear in writing. In its statement, the club explained that the Board of Directors expressed unanimous support for the decision not to negotiate the transfer of Julián Álvarez with FC Barcelona, arguing that the Catalan club has not respected the ethical and professional principles that should govern relations between institutions.

The official note also pointed out that the directors trust the player will understand the stance and remain focused on helping the team achieve its goals, maintaining the same commitment he has shown in his two seasons wearing the Atlético shirt.

A relationship with Barcelona marked by distrust

The origin of the conflict dates back to March of this year, when the first moves were made by the player and his agent, Fernando Hidalgo. Since then, Atlético's board has kept an unchanged position regarding the possibility of negotiating with Barcelona.

The Madrid club has not publicly specified which ethical breaches it attributes to the Catalan side, but it made clear that no negotiation has taken place nor will take place regarding the Argentine international's transfer.

The members of the Board of Directors are aware that Atlético Madrid is open to negotiations typical of the transfer market, but always in an ethical and professional manner and with respect between clubs. We fully support the position previously communicated by the club that FC Barcelona has not met these requirements and therefore there has not been and there will not be any negotiation with them regarding the transfer of Julián Álvarez.

A Board that blends sports figures and financial expertise

Atlético Madrid's current Board of Directors combines prominent sports figures with representatives from the financial sector. Among its members are former international footballer David Villa and representatives from Apollo Global Management and Ares Capital Corporation.

Alongside them remain Miguel Ángel Gil Marín and Enrique Cerezo, who continue to manage the club's daily operations. The majority presence of investment funds has not altered the club's approach on a matter as sensitive as Julián Álvarez's future.

What this statement means for Julián Álvarez's future

Atlético's message is aimed at Barcelona, the player and his agent alike. The club wants to close off any negotiation path and prevent the matter from dragging on, disrupting the focus of a squad facing a season full of challenges.

The club is confident that the 25-year-old striker, who remains under contract, will accept the situation and continue performing at the highest level. The decision is final and has the backing of all shareholders, leaving little room for an unexpected turn in the near future.

Apollo: the financial backing that strengthens Atlético's stance

The arrival of Apollo Global Management in Atlético Madrid's ownership structure marked a structural change at the club. However, on the Julián Álvarez matter, the American fund has chosen to stand firmly behind Gil Marín.

This unity of criteria between ownership and management reinforces the image of institutional stability and leaves no arguments for those who interpreted the CEO's position as a personal decision disconnected from the rest of the investors.