Summary
Former Barcelona loanee Joao Felix has publicly backed Julian Alvarez's desire to leave Atletico Madrid for a "dream" move to FC Barcelona, subtly criticizing his former club. Alvarez recently stated he spoke with Atleti and believes a transfer is "the best thing for everyone" to fulfill his ambition, amidst interest from top clubs like PSG and Arsenal, and a rejected $175 million bid from Real Madrid. Reports suggest Alvarez could unilaterally cancel his contract with Atletico, which runs until 2030, using Spanish legal frameworks to facilitate a move to Barcelona without triggering his €500 million release clause. Courts would then determine the compensation owed to Atletico Madrid.
Ex-Barcelona loanee, and former Atletico Madrid permanent signing, Joao Felix has given his support to Julian Alvarez while taking a dig at the Metropolitano club.
“He will have his reasons for talking about that. I can’t tell you much, I don’t want to get into that either. But he will have his reasons for talking about it,” Felix said, about Alvarez publicly declaring his wish to leave Atleti and make his “dream” come true.
That “dream” is believed to be a move to FC Barcelona, where Felix spent the trophyless 2023/2024 season on loan under the command of Xavi Hernandez.
“Things will happen inside that only he knows and people outside don’t know. Let him be happy and do the best for him,” Felix further offered, after starting Portugal’s 5-0 World Cup 2026 group stage win over Uzbekistan.
Alvarez has stirred controversy for comments made during his own post-match interview at the North America tournament.
After Lionel Messi scored a brace against Austria, Alvarez was asked about his future. At present, he’s being courted by Barça, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal amid a rejected $175 million (€150 million) bid for his services from Real Madrid.
“The truth is that I don’t know,” Alvarez began to ESPN.
"I don’t think it’s the time to talk, but I can’t hide either. I try to be an honest person. I spoke to the people at the club, who I had to talk to. I think the best thing for everyone is a transfer and I want to fulfill my dream," Alvarez added.
Alvarez might be able to break out of his contract to join FC Barcelona
As previously reported elsewhere, FIFA will be pretty much powerless to intervene in a dispute between Atleti and Barça.
Spanish legal frameworks will apply instead. By utilizing the Royal Decree 1006/1985’s Article 16, Alvarez might be able to unilaterally cancel his contract without paying his $568 million (€500 million) release clause first or any other transfer fee.
In this scenario, the courts would then decide the compensation owed to Atletico Madrid, who have the Argentine under contract until June 30, 2030.
As Barcelona’s top transfer target to replace the outgoing Robert Lewandowski, Alvarez has reportedly agreed a five-year deal with the Catalans.
Source: Forbes
