Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has firmly stated that forward Julian Alvarez will not be leaving the club during the current transfer window. Despite significant interest from Barcelona—a situation that led Atletico to file a formal complaint with FIFA last month over alleged tapping up—the club remains committed to retaining the 26-year-old Argentine international.
Alvarez has been the subject of intense transfer speculation throughout the summer, including links to Premier League champions Arsenal and a rejected 150-million-euro ($173.4m) bid from Real Madrid in June. Addressing the media in Seoul ahead of a preseason friendly against Manchester City, Simeone emphasized that the club’s stance is definitive, echoing the sentiments previously shared by CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin.
Gil Marin has been explicit regarding the club’s financial resolve, stating, “We don’t want to transfer him. We didn’t accept the 100-million-euro offer, nor will we accept one for 150 million or 200 million.” He added that the club views Alvarez as their primary center-forward and the ideal fit for their future sporting ambitions.
The player himself, while on international duty, had suggested that a transfer might be “best for everyone,” though he stopped short of naming a preferred destination. Alvarez, who has netted 49 goals for Atletico since arriving from Manchester City two years ago, is expected to rejoin the squad in two days following his participation in the World Cup.
Regarding potential fan reaction to the transfer saga, Simeone drew a parallel to the career of Antoine Griezmann. The French forward faced initial hostility after returning from a high-profile move to Barcelona, but eventually regained his status as a club legend through his performance on the pitch. Simeone noted, “We went through a period with Antoine in recent years where he had to leave, come back, and prove his quality and stature on the pitch. I see no other path than focusing on the sporting side of things, doing our part and helping him [Alvarez].”
As Atletico prepares for their La Liga opener against newly-promoted Malaga on August 19, the focus remains on integrating the squad. The team finished last season in fourth place, trailing league champions Barcelona by 25 points.
Simeone reiterated his support for the forward, concluding, “From a sporting perspective, we’re very happy to have a footballer like Julian. We will help him continue to grow, continue to improve and continue delivering the best – which has been a tremendous amount – that he has given us over the last two years.”
Atletico get their La Liga campaign under way on August 19 with a home match against newly-promoted Malaga.
