Julian Alvarez set to stay at Atletico Madrid as Barcelona move collapses

Julian Alvarez will not leave Atletico Madrid in the remaining hours of the summer transfer window, according to TyC Sports, with the deadline due to pass on Tuesday and the Argentina striker understanding that there will be no late surprise over his future.

Alvarez returned to normal training with Atletico on Tuesday, having rejoined the squad on Sunday after a four-day absence caused by illness. His return came amid widespread reports that he wanted to leave the Spanish club and move to Barcelona.

The 27-year-old has been one of the most prominent names of the summer transfer window, but Atletico have repeatedly ruled out the possibility of a transfer to Barcelona.

The Madrid club previously issued a statement saying its board had unanimously backed the decision not to negotiate Alvarez’s departure to the Catalan side.

“Atletico Madrid’s board of directors unanimously expressed its full support for the club’s decision not to negotiate Julian Alvarez’s transfer to Barcelona.”

The statement added: “The board understands that Atletico Madrid is open to the usual negotiations that take place in the transfer market, but always in an ethical and professional manner, with respect between clubs.”

“We fully support the club’s position, already announced previously, which states that Barcelona has not met these requirements. As a result, there will be no negotiations and there is absolutely no consideration of Alvarez moving to Barcelona.”

Atletico also said it believed the forward would accept the decision and remain focused on helping the club meet its objectives.

“Atletico Madrid is convinced that its player will understand the decision and will focus on working in the best possible way to help the club achieve its objectives, as he has already done during the two seasons in which he has represented the club.”

Barcelona president Joan Laporta had publicly confirmed his club’s interest in signing Alvarez this summer. Speaking to Barcelona’s official channel, Laporta said: “We are very interested in signing Julian Alvarez, and we would like Atletico to accept our offer, with full respect for them.”

He added: “If they are prepared to sell Alvarez during the summer transfer window, we are ready to sign him according to the offer we have made.”

Laporta also said Barcelona’s proposal would remain available until the end of the window.

On Wednesday, Atletico responded in unusually strong terms to Laporta’s comments about Barcelona’s determination to sign the Argentina international. Marca published the statement around an hour after Laporta’s remarks.

“Julian Alvarez is being portrayed as the victim, but the only victims in the Julian case are us.”

“They have caused us economic and social damage. There is a 0% chance of him being sold to Barcelona.”

“This issue is not about money, but about dignity.”

“A campaign containing many lies and half-truths has been launched. Atletico Madrid is the only party paying the price for it.”

Atletico said it would update a complaint the club had already submitted to include everything Barcelona had done.

Barcelona has also received notification from FIFA regarding Atletico’s complaint over the Alvarez matter. Despite Barcelona’s interest in pursuing the striker during the final days of the window, TyC Sports reports that Alvarez now expects to remain at Atletico Madrid once the deadline passes.