Julian Alvarez confirms Atletico Madrid exit wish with bombshell statement

Updated: 22 Jun 2026 22:22 BST | 4 min read

Julian Alvarez, Atletico Madrid, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Argentina striker Julian Alvarez has officially confirmed that he wants to leave Atletico Madrid before the end of the 2026 summer transfer window.

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The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a high-profile move for several months and it’s understood that he has already reached a full agreement on personal terms with Barcelona.

Current ETV

Julián Álvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

Julián Álvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

ETV Range

€101.7M - €124.3M

Alvarez is viewed as the Blaugrana’s ideal replacement for the departed Robert Lewandowski, and the Camp Nou giants are firmly the frontrunners to win the race for the former Manchester City forward despite reported interest from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

Real Madrid made a sensational €150 million bid for Alvarez in early June, but this was swiftly rejected by the city rivals and it’s reported that a move to the Bernabeu is now off the table, with Jose Mourinho’s side instead focusing on alternative targets, including Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.

Barcelona have already seen a €100m offer rejected by Atletico Madrid, however they remain determined to finalise a deal for the 26-year-old, having already agreed personal terms on a lucrative long-term contract.

Alvarez has remained tight-lipped regarding his future up until now, but he dropped a transfer bombshell following Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria on Monday.

Speaking to ESPN, Alvarez said (via Fabrizio Romano): “I don’t want to hide or act like I don’t want to be clear. I try to be honest.

“I spoke to Atletico people and I think the best for everyone involved is for me to leave. I want to fulfill my dream.”

© IMAGO - Julian Alvarez wants to leave Atletico Madrid

Analysis: Will Julian Alvarez join Barcelona?

Widespread reports have confirmed that Alvarez is only interested in joining Barcelona this summer and a move ahead of the 2026-27 season is currently understood to be on the cards.

Hansi Flick's side have already spent €80m on Newcastle United attacker Anthony Gordon, but they are determined to sign Alvarez as the successor to the aforementioned Lewandowski and Atleti could be forced to sanction a sale given the Argentine's evident desire to depart.

As a result, it seems almost inevitable that Alvarez will be a Barcelona player before Deadline Day on 1 September.

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