Atletico Madrid stand firm on Julian Alvarez future, says Alemany

Atletico Madrid sporting director Matteo Alemany says the club’s position on Julian Alvarez’s future is “clear and firm” as speculation continues over a possible move to Barcelona.

The Argentina forward reportedly wants to leave Atletico Madrid for Barcelona, but the Spanish club have rejected that possibility emphatically and have set out their stance in more than one public statement.

Speaking to Movistar, Alemany said: “Julian Alvarez? I think we have been extremely clear and firm. The matter was explained in a recent statement, and Miguel Angel Gil, the chief executive, has said it repeatedly, clearly and firmly, so why should we talk about it any more?”

Alemany added that Alvarez had recently been unwell but was expected to return to training soon.

“He has had a few days when he has not felt well, trained once and we hope he will join us again quickly and be available for the Athletic Club match,” he said.

The Atletico sporting director also indicated that the situation had not damaged the relationship between the club and the player.

“We talk to him a lot and everything is normal,” Alemany said.

Atletico have already rejected an official offer from local rivals Real Madrid for Alvarez, underlining their determination to retain the 26-year-old forward. Although the player is said to be interested in joining Barcelona, the club’s public position has remained unchanged.

Alvarez joined Atletico in the summer of 2024 from English club Manchester City. His contract runs until the summer of 2030 and contains a release clause worth up to 500m euros.

The forward has made 101 appearances for Atletico since arriving in Madrid, scoring 46 goals and providing 17 assists. During the current season, he has played 44 matches, scored 17 goals and created nine more for his team-mates.

Alemany’s comments suggest Atletico are not preparing to negotiate over the player’s departure, despite the continuing interest surrounding his future. The club have pointed to the recent statement and to repeated comments from Gil as evidence that their position has already been made clear.

For now, Atletico’s focus is on Alvarez returning to full fitness and being available for the meeting with Athletic Club. The forward’s recent absence was attributed to illness, with Alemany saying he had trained only once during that period.

Alvarez’s first season at Atletico followed a successful spell with Manchester City, where he established himself as an important attacking player before moving to Spain. Since joining the Madrid club, he has continued to contribute regularly in front of goal, with 46 goals and 17 assists across his 101 appearances.

Despite the reports linking him with Barcelona, and Real Madrid’s rejected approach, Atletico continue to view Alvarez as part of their plans. There has been no indication from the club that it is willing to change that stance.