Dani Olmo questions Atletico’s response to Julian Alvarez’s transfer hopes

Dani Olmo has criticised Atletico de Madrid’s handling of Julian Alvarez after the Argentina forward failed to secure a move to Barcelona, saying he did not understand why the player had been unable to pursue his own ambitions.

Olmo was speaking on Wednesday at a tribute event held in Terrassa to mark his achievement of becoming a world champion with Spain. According to Sport, the Barcelona midfielder was asked about Atletico’s approach to Alvarez’s situation and whether he could understand the club’s position.

The question was linked to Olmo’s own experience. He left RB Leipzig despite still having a contract with the German club in order to fulfil his ambition of playing for Barcelona.

Alvarez had also expressed a desire to change clubs, but ultimately remained unable to make the move. Asked whether he sympathised with Atletico’s stance, Olmo gave an unequivocal response.

“I do not understand that. In the end, we all have our dreams, and Julian Alvarez had his own dream,” Olmo said.

“Alvarez fought for it and was unable to achieve it. It is all right, life goes on.”

The Spain international’s comments represent another criticism of Atletico during the continuing debate over Alvarez’s position. Olmo appeared to suggest that the striker had every right to try to realise his ambition, indicating that he disagreed with the way Atletico dealt with Alvarez’s wish to leave the club and the Metropolitano Stadium.

Olmo was also asked about Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s decision not to stage a planned tribute for the club’s players who had won the World Cup.

Barcelona had been expected to hold a celebration for its World Cup-winning players, but the event did not take place. Olmo said the players accepted the club’s reasoning and remained aware of the importance Barcelona placed on their performances.

“We understood and respected that Barcelona saw that the time was not right to hold the tribute. We know that the club values us very much,” he said.

Olmo added that the players were now focused on future targets rather than continuing to celebrate their World Cup success.

“The World Cup is in the past. Now we are aiming to win the Champions League,” he said.

The disagreement surrounding Alvarez has continued to attract attention as questions remain over the forward’s future and Atletico’s response to his stated desire to move elsewhere. Olmo’s remarks have added to the discussion, with the Barcelona player drawing on his own decision to leave RB Leipzig in pursuit of his career ambition.

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