Atlético Madrid locks Julián Álvarez until 2030 as Manchester City monitors

Julián Álvarez isn’t going anywhere cheap. Atlético Madrid has the Argentine forward locked down through June 2030, with a release clause set at €500 million. That hasn’t stopped Manchester City from keeping tabs on their former player. City monitored Álvarez’s situation during the summer of 2026, though they stopped short of making a formal approach or submitting a bid. The contract that changes everything Álvarez joined Atlético from City and subsequently signed an extended deal that runs through the end of the 2029-30 season. The contract gives Atlético total control over any potential sale, and that €500 million clause ensures no club can simply swoop in and trigger a buyout without an extraordinary financial commitment. The timing of the deal is significant. Apollo Sports Capital acquired a 55% stake in Atlético Madrid in March 2026, injecting both capital and strategic ambition into the club. With Apollo’s backing, Atlético has pivoted toward a model of locking down young, high-value players under lengthy contracts, with several young talents signed through the same 2030 timeline. City’s interest and Barcelona’s shadow Barcelona reportedly prepared offers in the region of €10...