Enrique Cerezo ends Julian Alvarez speculation as Atletico Madrid future is confirmed

Enrique Cerezo has moved to end speculation over Julian Alvarez’s future by insisting Atletico Madrid have no intention of selling the Argentina forward, who has returned to the club’s squad after weeks of uncertainty surrounding his position.

The Atletico Madrid president said Alvarez remains part of the club’s plans and is available to manager Diego Simeone whenever he chooses to select him. His comments, reported by Catalan newspaper Sport, represent the clearest indication yet that the player is expected to remain at the Metropolitano.

“ We never intended to sell him. He is an Atletico Madrid player and available for the manager to select whenever he wants,” Cerezo said.

Alvarez’s return to the squad comes after persistent speculation during the summer about his future. The uncertainty attracted significant media attention and prompted close interest from Atletico supporters, who had been waiting for clarity over whether the Argentina international would continue with Simeone’s side.

Cerezo’s comments were intended to draw a line under those reports and reinforce the club’s position that Alvarez remains an important part of Atletico Madrid’s project. The president did not suggest the club had considered allowing the forward to leave during the summer transfer window.

The Atletico president was also asked about the club’s relationship with Barcelona, following earlier criticism from Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin. Gil Marin had accused some clubs of showing a lack of respect in their approach to transfer activity and negotiations.

When questioned specifically about whether Barcelona had behaved in the same way towards Atletico Madrid, Cerezo gave a strongly worded response.

“My view is that Barcelona did not rise to the occasion and did not do what they usually do in such situations,” he said.

The remarks underline the tension that remains between the two clubs after a summer marked by moves and negotiations that generated considerable debate. While Atletico Madrid are seeking to close the Alvarez issue and reaffirm his place in Simeone’s plans, the institutional disagreement with Barcelona continues to form part of the wider background.

For now, Cerezo’s position is unequivocal: Alvarez is an Atletico Madrid player, has been restored to the squad and remains available to Simeone. His statement also provides the club’s clearest public response to the speculation that surrounded the forward during the past few weeks.

The focus can now return to Alvarez’s role on the pitch, with Atletico Madrid maintaining that the forward remains within their plans rather than being considered a player available for transfer.