Atlético Madrid mocked Barcelona on X with fake offers for Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Raphinha after the Catalan club signaled serious interest in forward Julián Álvarez. Barça met the Argentine’s representatives, who said the player favours a move to Spain over Paris Saint‑Germain or Arsenal. Álvarez remains under contract until 2030 and carries a €500 million release clause, and adds pressure on Barcelona.

The club’s three posts turned the transfer market into a joke for a laugh. First, it offered Yamal a shirt, four Bad Bunny tickets, an ABC newspaper subscription and a bag of sunflower seeds. The second swapped tickets for Pedri, adding six seats for the Sunday show. The third promised Raphinha a season‑long loan, while Atlético “loaned” Tom Ford and Smith with no purchase option.

Atlético sources told ESPN no formal bid has arrived, and the club publicly expressed irritation at Barcelona’s pursuit. The stunt revives memories of the 2019 Griezmann saga, when the two giants clashed over a high‑profile signing. Unless Barça present a genuine offer that meets the €500 million clause, Álvarez is likely to stay in Madrid to secure their future.