Atlético Madrid's Firm Stance on Julián: No to €100m, €150m, or €200m

Atlético Madrid has chosen its hill to die on, and his name is Julián.

In a forceful defence of the club’s project and identity, an Atlético executive laid out, in no uncertain terms, where the Spanish side stands regarding the striker’s future amid strong interest from Barcelona.

“Atlético, like all great clubs, is built with great players, and I’m certain that Julián is one, as well as a great professional,” he told EFE, framing the forward not just as an asset, but as a pillar. “We must compete based on our values, with homegrown talent and with the best players from outside that we can bring in.”

The message was simple: Julián is not just another name on the market.

“My opinion is clear, the club’s will is clear, we have made this clear to the player and his agent, and to the Barça president,” he continued. “I have no doubt that Atlético is the right place in the world for Julián, and Julián is the perfect striker for Atlético Madrid. We want to keep him.”

The tension sharpened when he addressed the stance of Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who had hinted that Barça’s offer would not remain on the table indefinitely.

“I simply heard some statements from the president (Laporta), saying that his offer wasn’t open-ended. And our response is that our answer is indeed open-ended; we don’t want to transfer him. We didn’t accept the €100 million offer, nor will we accept one of €150 million or €200 million.”

No room for negotiation. No softening of the line. Atlético is making it clear that this is not a bidding war. It is a refusal.

Behind that stance lies a belief that Julián is still some way from his ceiling – and that Atlético intends to be the club that helps him reach it.

“We are going to help Julián and continue to take care of him so that he can give us his full potential, because we need him to keep competing among the best in Europe,” he said. Then came a pointed remark about the people around the player. “We must understand that Julián hasn’t had the best advisors around him regarding his professional career in recent months.”

The battle, in Atlético’s eyes, is not just about a transfer. It is about influence, pressure, and respect.

“That other clubs and their affiliated media tell us what to do, dictate our sporting strategy, and disrespect us. That’s precisely what they want: to divide us,” he warned. “It’s clear we’re not as powerful as them, but we have values. We Atlético fans won’t allow them to corrupt us. Atleti is strong when we’re all together.”

The market will keep circling. Offers may rise. But Atlético has drawn its line: Julián stays, and the club’s values stay with him.