Crazy numbers
Atlético rejects Real’s offer – and reacts with ridicule
Updated June 10, 2026 – 5:09 amReading time: 2 minutes
Atlético counters a mega offer from Real – and mocks their neighbors. Suddenly even the Pope is playing a role in the poker surrounding Álvarez.
The Spanish football club Atlético Madrid has rejected an offer from city rival Real Madrid worth 150 million euros for Argentine national striker Julián Álvarez – and made fun of the city rival’s offer in an unusual way.
“After examination and evaluation, the Atlético de Madrid club has gratefully rejected the offer presented, which was made in the context of the good relations between the two clubs (…),” Real Madrid initially announced.
In its response, Atlético refers to the €500 million exit clause in Álvarez’s contract. And writes on There was also a post with laughing emojis.
Does Pérez want to drive up the price and annoy Barça?
According to the media, Barça is said to have previously offered 100 million euros for Álvarez. Observers suspect that Real President Florentino Pérez is not really interested in Álvarez, but rather wants to use his public offer to drive up the professional’s price in order to annoy the Catalans.
It is known that the Spanish champions, coached by former national coach Hansi Flick, want to sign a striker in the summer to replace Robert Lewandowski. The Pole has already announced that he is leaving Barcelona.
Pérez, who was re-elected as Real Madrid boss on Sunday, had promised during the election campaign: “We will make the biggest offer ever made for a player.” Spanish media then speculated that the amount was around 150 million euros.
What about Olise?
However, in a recent interview after his confirmation in office, Pérez rejected media reports that he wanted to bring Bayern’s star striker Michael Olise to Madrid for this sum. “It’s not (Erling) Haaland, it’s not Olise, it’s not (Jérémy) Doku,” assured the 79-year-old.
According to experts, Real wants and needs to strengthen their midfield after their second titleless season in a row, as they have stars like Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé in attack. Two Portuguese players from Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain are being discussed: Vitinha and João Neves.
Meanwhile, Atlético is making fun of its competitors: Alluding to a statement made by Pope Leo
And there was another tip: Real should finally stop “stealing” players from our academy.”