Julian Alvarez works alone up front in Atletico Madrid training amid Barcelona transfer reports

Julian Alvarez was the only available striker for Diego Simeone during Atletico Madrid’s second training session since the Argentina forward returned from his 2026 World Cup holiday, as speculation over a possible move to Barcelona continues.

The session began with activation exercises led by fitness coach Luis Pinedo before Alvarez joined his team-mates for the main work under Simeone. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, the 2026 World Cup winner appeared fully engaged and notably serious throughout Thursday’s training.

Several reports in Spain have said Alvarez is pushing strongly for a transfer to Barcelona during the current summer window. Atletico, however, remain determined to keep the forward and have continued to insist that he is not available for departure.

Alvarez expressed his desire to leave Atletico while representing Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, saying he wanted to pursue his dream. His comments angered officials at the Madrid club and strengthened their resolve to prevent him from moving on.

He completed his first training session under Simeone on Wednesday after returning from his post-World Cup break. During that session, Alvarez explained his position and his wish to leave, but Simeone made clear that the final decision rests with the club’s management.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Alvarez looked focused and interacted seriously with his Atletico colleagues during Thursday’s session. The report said that level of commitment had been one of his defining characteristics throughout the season, although it appeared even more pronounced given the current situation surrounding his future.

Alvarez’s presence as the only recognised striker available to Simeone was a result of Alexander Sørloth’s absence. The Norway international missed training because of a muscle injury, leaving Atletico without another natural centre-forward for the session.

Simeone did have alternative attacking options. Ademola Lookman, Arnau Ortiz, Baena and Lee Kang-in were all available and capable of operating in advanced positions, although none occupied the same role as the absent Sørloth during the training session.

Matteo Ruggeri was also missing from the group, but his absence had a different explanation. The Italian has been granted permission by Atletico to complete the formalities of his move to Aston Villa.

Ruggeri’s transfer is reported to be worth 18m euros, with a further 6m euros potentially payable in add-ons. His departure is therefore progressing while Atletico continue to manage Alvarez’s situation, with the club maintaining its stance that the Argentina forward should remain in Madrid.

For now, Alvarez has returned to work with Simeone and remains involved in Atletico’s preparations. His participation in training, and his unusually prominent role as the only available striker, provide the latest indication of the contrasting issues currently shaping the club’s squad during the summer window.