Atletico de Madrid president expects Julian Alvarez to win fans back within two games

Atletico de Madrid president Enrique Cerezo says he is confident Julian Alvarez can restore the support of the club’s fans within two matches, despite uncertainty over the Argentina forward’s future and reported interest in a move to Barcelona.

Alvarez was left out of Diego Simeone’s squad for Atletico’s opening La Liga match against Malaga on Wednesday as talks over his situation continue.

“I don’t know whether Julian Alvarez will apologise, but I am sure he will make peace with the fans within two matches,” Cerezo told reporters.

The Atletico president also said the club had made its position clear to Barcelona from the outset.

“From the beginning, we told Barcelona that we want to keep Julian and that he is not for sale,” he added.

Barcelona are still exploring a deal for Alvarez as they seek to replace Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. However, Atletico remain determined to retain the striker, despite his reported desire to leave the club.

Alvarez joined Atletico in the summer of 2024 from Manchester City. His contract with the Madrid club runs until the summer of 2030.

The forward has made 106 appearances for Atletico, scoring 49 goals and providing 17 assists. His absence from the squad for the first game of the campaign comes while the club works to resolve his future.

Atletico begin their La Liga campaign against Malaga, who have returned to Spain’s top flight. Alvarez has been left out of the matchday group while his position is settled, with the intention that he will be ready to play in Atletico’s first matches of the season once the issue has been resolved.

Alvarez also represented Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, where his side finished runners-up after losing 1-0 to Spain in the final.