Julian Alvarez misses Atletico Madrid training as transfer decision looms

Julian Alvarez was absent from Atletico Madrid’s training session on Wednesday after the club confirmed that the Argentina striker was unwell, adding another development to the uncertainty surrounding his future.

The 26-year-old missed the squad’s return to work following two days of rest for Atletico’s players. The club’s official statement, published by Spanish newspaper Marca, said Alvarez did not take part in training because of illness.

Alvarez’s absence came shortly after he was booed by some Atletico supporters during the club’s opening La Liga fixture of the season. The forward began the match against Villarreal on the bench before coming on in the 66th minute during the 2-2 draw at the Metropolitano on Saturday.

The reaction from the home crowd followed reports that Alvarez wants to leave Atletico Madrid. His latest absence has intensified speculation over whether he will remain with the Madrid club this season, with his eventual destination expected to become clear once the transfer window closes on 1 September.

Alvarez reportedly expressed his desire to depart Atletico Madrid while representing Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. That stance angered the Spanish club, which has continued to insist that it wants to keep the striker.

Barcelona are understood to be Alvarez’s preferred destination and retain a strong interest in signing him. However, Atletico Madrid remain opposed to selling the player to the Catalan club and are still holding on to their position that he should stay.

The situation means Alvarez’s next steps will remain under close scrutiny as the transfer deadline approaches. His absence from Wednesday’s session was officially attributed to illness, but it comes at a time when his relationship with Atletico Madrid supporters and the club’s stance on his future are already attracting significant attention.

Atletico Madrid will now prepare for their second La Liga match of the campaign, against Sevilla on Saturday. It is not yet clear from the club’s statement whether Alvarez will be available for that fixture.

The forward had only recently been involved in Atletico’s first competitive match of the season, entering the game against Villarreal as a substitute. The draw at the Metropolitano left Diego Simeone’s side with one point from their opening league game, while the transfer uncertainty surrounding Alvarez continues to dominate the conversation around the club.

September’s transfer deadline will ultimately determine where the striker plays this season, with Barcelona interested, Atletico Madrid unwilling to sell him to their domestic rivals and Alvarez’s preferred outcome reportedly being a move away from the club.

The issue can be discussed in greater depth in the Kooora forums.