City rival mocks again
©IMAGO
After the re-election of Florentino Pérez as president of Real Madrid, the 150 million euro offer for a new Galáctico announced on Tuesday was eagerly awaited. Many were sure that it must be Bayern’s Michael Olise (24). However, as the Royals officially announced, it went to Julián Alvarez (26) from city rivals Atlético – and was promptly rejected.
After the board meeting on Tuesday, a corresponding offer was sent to the Colchoneros, Real Madrid said in a statement that evening. “After examining and evaluating the offer, Atlético Madrid appreciated the offer made within the framework of the good relations between the two clubs and rejected it, citing the player’s release clause.” This is 500 million euros.
Atlético responded to the report on the short message service X with five laughing smileys with tears of joy. A short time later, as before, the Colchoneros made mocking statements following rumors about an alleged courtship by FC Barcelona. “You may have confused politeness with gratitude, but lest there be any doubt: We are not grateful to you for anything. We do not examine or evaluate any offers for Julián,” it said, among other things. “How could we not get along well when you make us laugh even more than FC Barcelona?”
Barça is said to have previously considered a €100 million transfer fee for Alvarez. Observers suspect that Real boss Pérez is not really interested in the Argentine international, but rather wants to drive up the price with his public offer in order to annoy the Catalans. It is known that the arch-rivals want to sign a striker in the summer to replace Robert Lewandowski, 37, who is leaving the Spanish champions after four years.
Pérez had announced a 150 million offer from Real Madrid
Even before his re-election on Monday night, Pérez had caused a stir with his announcement. “Soon, on Tuesday, I will make an offer to a Champions League club that will be the highest sum Real Madrid has ever paid for a player – at least 150 million,” said the 79-year-old. Spanish media subsequently reported that it must be Bayern’s Olise, although Pérez had previously ruled out the name.
After two disappointing sporting years in which no major title was won and a lot of criticism of his leadership, Pérez wants to get the Royals back on track. The return of former coach José Mourinho, who coached Real from 2010 to 2013, is said to be an important factor. The team around stars Kylian Mbappé (27) and Vinicius Junior (25) is also to be strengthened. With Ibrahima Konaté (27, Liverpool) and Denzel Dumfries (30, Inter Milan), two new signings are said to have already been secured.