Alvarez remains focused on Barcelona move as transfer deadline looms

Julian Alvarez, 24, is training as Diego Simeone’s only available striker at Atlético Madrid, following an injury to Alexander Sorloth. He met with Simeone last Wednesday after weeks of mounting speculation over his future.

Mundo Deportivo reported that “despite the outwardly normal atmosphere that prevailed at Atlético Madrid’s training sessions, Alvarez has not abandoned his plan to move to Barcelona.” The Argentine forward continues pursuing dialogue and diplomacy rather than confrontation, though the expected escalation early in the week did not materialize.

Simeone’s response to Alvarez’s request left him unconvinced. Yet he remains committed to the possibility of a transfer, believing Barcelona will not withdraw interest despite complications. He acknowledges the difficulty of the deal, particularly given Atlético’s reaction to his desire for a change after two titleless seasons.

What Alvarez believes about Simeone’s stance

Alvarez holds that Simeone understands he cannot retain a player of his calibre without full commitment to the team’s objectives. That assessment underpins his continued insistence on a move — not as a threat, but as a positional reality.

Time pressure intensifies ahead of La Liga

With La Liga’s opening fixtures approaching, the window for resolution is narrowing. Barcelona has prepared an alternative plan but will activate it only if no negotiations begin with Atlético. As of now, no formal talks have taken place between the clubs.

Quiet discussions are underway within Atlético’s administrative offices, and Barcelona hopes those will prompt the club to open negotiations. Should Atlético decline, Alvarez faces a consequential decision: whether to take an additional step beyond public statements and private appeals.

His position remains unchanged

According to Mundo Deportivo, Alvarez is not considering retracting or apologising for his earlier remarks. He is not preparing to play the upcoming season as if the situation had been resolved. His objective remains clear: to join Barcelona.

If Atlético maintains its position, he recognises he must escalate further — and he is ready to do so. The matter is expected to reach a definitive outcome in the coming days, one way or the other.