Barcelona’s Álvarez row ends with Laporta-Atlético embrace

Barcelona president Joan Laporta announced that he has repaired his relationship with Atlético Madrid CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín following a summer dispute over striker Julián Álvarez. The two executives embraced during the 33rd General Assembly of the European Football Clubs (EFC) in Copenhagen, with Laporta stating that tensions have been resolved now that the transfer window is closed.

The initial conflict arose after Barcelona publicly pursued Álvarez, prompting Gil Marín to openly criticize Barça's transfer strategy and financial situation. The Copenhagen event also marked Barcelona's restoration as full voting members of the EFC, where Laporta also sought to mend ties with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.