Laporta explains why Atlético blocked Julián Álvarez’s move to Barça

Joan Laporta has shared his take on how Barcelona tried to land Julián Álvarez and why Atlético Madrid ultimately didn’t give the go-ahead. The Barça president claims that, when the Blaugrana showed interest, Atlético “played the offended party.”

Laporta’s account

At the general meeting of committed members, Laporta was asked why the Madrid club didn’t authorize the transfer. In his view, Atlético’s stance couldn’t be justified, arguing that their reaction was “out of place.” He added that he spoke with Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, Atlético’s general director, who told him they wouldn’t sell because they didn’t have “any guaranteed replacement” under control.

Laporta went further, saying that “in the end, they took off the mask” by admitting they would sell to “all clubs except Barça.” He also insisted the matter is already “in the past” and pointed to the current squad, noting that the first team has “two or three players per position.”

He finished by backing the current setup: the coach is “very happy with what he has,” and the squad is “very motivated,” signaling that the team’s priority is now to focus on the work ahead.

Talk about the international break

During the same meeting, Laporta also criticized the upcoming international break. He said Flick told him it hurts “because it’s no longer one game, it’s a four-game break,” and while he understands national competitions, he believes there are “too many.” He noted that Barça has more influence through the UEFA, where—according to Laporta—some of these scheduling issues are decided.

Source: Mundo Deportivo.