Simeone: Atletico de Madrid ready to support Julian Alvarez through transfer standoff

Diego Simeone says Atletico de Madrid will work with Julian Alvarez to help him improve after the Argentina forward expressed a desire to leave the club this summer.

Alvarez has said he wants to pursue a new challenge, but Atletico’s leadership remains committed to keeping him in their squad. Simeone confirmed that the club has made a clear decision over the player’s future and intends to support him from a sporting perspective rather than consider his sale.

Barcelona are understood to be the leading contenders for Alvarez’s signature. The 26-year-old has also been linked with Real Madrid, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, although Atletico remain determined to retain him.

Speaking at a news conference, Simeone said: “The situation is very clear. The institution has made a decision, which Miguel Angel explained very well. From a sporting point of view, we are very happy to have a player like Julian, and we will help him so that he can continue to grow and improve.”

Simeone’s comments come after Alvarez’s reported wish to move on from Atletico during the current summer transfer window. Despite that position, the club’s officials have indicated that they do not want to sell the forward and see his continued development as a priority.

The Atletico manager also referred to Antoine Griezmann’s previous experience at the club when discussing how footballers can respond to periods of uncertainty. Griezmann left Atletico before later returning, and Simeone said the Frenchman had needed to demonstrate his ability and status through his performances on the pitch.

“We experienced a period with Griezmann during these years in which he had to leave and then return, and he had to prove on the pitch the quality and status that he possesses,” Simeone added.

The Argentine coach said he saw no alternative to dealing with Alvarez’s situation through footballing work, rather than focusing on the speculation surrounding his future.

“I do not see any other path with Alvarez than working from the sporting side,” he said.

Alvarez’s position has placed Atletico in a difficult situation, with interest from several leading European clubs contrasting with the Madrid side’s firm stance. For now, Simeone’s message is that the club’s response will be to continue helping the striker develop while maintaining its decision not to sell him.

The forward’s future therefore remains a matter of interest this summer, but Atletico’s position, as outlined by Simeone, is clear: they are happy to have Alvarez and intend to help him become a better player.