Roberto Gómez: "El Atlético is not taking the phone to Laporta"

The journalist Roberto Gómez has sent a strong message on his program *La Tribu*, ​​making it clear that Atlético de Madrid has no intention of negotiating with Joan Laporta regarding the transfer of Julián Álvarez. Gómez did not hesitate to describe Barcelona's attitude as an exercise in "blackmail", arguing that the Barça club lacks the necessary financial resources to acquire the services of the Argentine striker. This complaint exposes the deep mistrust that exists between institutions and the harshness with which Atlético plans to defend its assets.

The journalist's criticisms go beyond the specific operation and point directly to the management of the culé president. Gómez pointed out the lack of direct dialogue on the part of Barcelona and criticized the confrontational stance that Laporta has adopted towards the League and towards Florentino Pérez. In his view, this attitude not only harms institutional relations, but also underlines the existing rivalry between the two Madrid giants, a context that further complicates any possible rapprochement between Atlético and Barça.

Barcelona's economic context reinforces Gómez's argument. 3 billion euros and a wage bill that exceeds 100% of income, the club faces financial restrictions imposed by LaLiga. These limitations force Barça to look for creative solutions, such as the departure of players to balance the accounts, but they also expose their vulnerability in negotiations where other clubs, such as Atlético, operate with greater solvency.

Gómez's strategy, by pointing out these numbers, seeks to delegitimize Barça's media pressure as an attempt to force a signing that is impossible under current conditions. The focus on Julián Álvarez is no coincidence. The Argentine forward embodies the World Cup star profile that Barcelona desperately needs to sell a declining project to its partners and sponsors.

However, for Atlético, Álvarez is a structural piece, not a liquidation asset to plug other people's holes. This disparity in objectives reveals a strategic abyss: while Barça operates in permanent emergency mode looking for patches, the mattress team manages its squad with long-term planning. Giving in to culé pressure would mean admitting that the athletic project is subsidiary to the whims of a rival who cannot pay his bills.

Beyond money, Gómez's rhetoric shows a war of media attrition. By labeling Barça's maneuvers as "blackmail", they seek to morally delegitimize Laporta before an official offer is even presented. It is a preventive defense move that isolates the Barcelona president on the political board of Spanish football, reminding him that his authority in La Liga is eroded.

The message is clear: Atlético is not only in control of its star, but also dominates the public narrative, leaving Barça a shambling giant knocking on doors without response. Furthermore, Atlético's position is aligned with a transfer policy that prioritizes sustainability and the revaluation of assets. The red and white club, under the direction of Antoine Griezmann, has built a competitive team without depending on large outlays, which allows it to negotiate from a position of strength.

Gómez stressed that Atlético will not give in to pressure because its sporting model does not require it, unlike Barça, which depends on extraordinary income to maintain its squad. This difference in approaches explains why Atlético can afford to ignore Barça's attempts to approach without reputational risk. In a firm and direct tone, Gómez stated that Atlético is not going to answer Laporta's phone, a statement that closes the door to any intermediation under the current conditions.

The journalist defended the red and white team's position in the face of what he considers a media maneuver without real financial backing, insisting that Barcelona's transfer policy clashes head-on with the reality of the market and with Atlético's determination not to give in to pressure. What follows is a scenario of diplomatic blockade where Atlético maintains its immovable position. While Barcelona tries to maneuver in the market, Gómez's words suggest that any attempt at rapprochement will be rejected outright unless there is a radical change in Barça's strategy.

The future of Julián Álvarez, for the moment, remains out of the reach of an entity that, in the opinion of the radio brand, cannot afford the luxury it seeks. Read at Marca Atlético Madrid