Barcelona are preparing a fresh January move for Julian Alvarez despite Atletico Madrid’s reported demands for an apology and a change of agent

Julian Alvarez has decided to remain at Atletico de Madrid after the summer transfer window closed, ending speculation that he could leave the club in the final days of August.

The Argentina forward informed Mateo Alemany of his decision to stay at the Metropolitano, with the transfer file reportedly closed only hours before the deadline.

However, Atletico’s relationship with Alvarez could remain strained. According to Sport, citing Radio MARCA, the club is expected to ask the player to apologise publicly to supporters and change his agent.

Neither request appears likely to be accepted at this stage, particularly because a move to Barcelona remains a possibility for Alvarez.

Sport reports that Barcelona have not abandoned their interest in the forward and are now considering another attempt to sign him when the January transfer window opens.

The Catalan club are expected to retain between 65m euros and 70m euros of room under financial fair play rules during the winter window. That would give them the capacity to pursue Alvarez and potentially sign a central defender as well, should manager Hansi Flick decide that the squad requires one.

Alvarez’s immediate challenge will be to recover his best form while facing hostility from sections of the Atletico support. His performances at home are expected to be closely scrutinised, with the possibility of further jeering at the Metropolitano.

Sport said: “Even producing strong performances or offering a public apology would not necessarily be enough to change the position of the Metropolitano fans, who have already passed judgement on him and will not hesitate to boo him every time he plays at home.”

The report suggests that Alvarez’s decision to stay has not resolved the tension surrounding his future. Although he remains an Atletico player after the summer window, Barcelona’s continued interest means the prospect of a transfer could return in January.

For now, Alvarez must remain at Atletico de Madrid and attempt to win back supporters who, according to Sport, have already formed a firm view of the Argentina international. Even a run of impressive performances may not immediately bring an end to the reception he receives at home.

The situation leaves the player facing pressure on two fronts: he must deliver on the pitch for Atletico while also dealing with the possibility that Barcelona will renew their pursuit in the middle of the season.