Julian Alvarez follows Atletico Madrid training programme as Barcelona uncertainty continues

Julian Alvarez has begun following Atletico de Madrid’s individually tailored training programme, in a surprise development amid continued speculation that he wants to leave the club for Barcelona this summer.

The Argentina striker, who is currently on holiday, has re-established contact with Atletico and is following the instructions given to each international player ahead of the club’s return to training on 10 August. He is expected to join up with the squad when preparations resume.

Alvarez’s future has become one of the major stories of the summer transfer window after reports suggested he wanted to leave the ‘Rojiblancos’ to pursue what he believes is the best next step in his career.

Several reports have linked him with Barcelona, who are looking for a centre-forward to replace Poland international Robert Lewandowski. However, the situation has become increasingly complicated, with Atletico angered by the methods allegedly being used to persuade Alvarez to remain at Camp Nou.

According to Marca, Atletico’s frustration eventually led the club to submit a complaint to the Spanish Football Federation and FIFA. The matter became more difficult after Miguel Angel Gil publicly stated that Atletico would not accept any offer from Barcelona for the forward.

Alvarez now appears to face two possible routes. He could remain at Atletico and deal with the anger of supporters, who believe the club has been insulted during the dispute. Alternatively, he could ask the club’s hierarchy to consider an offer from outside Spain that might alter Atletico’s position.

The Premier League is not thought to be among Alvarez’s preferred destinations after his experience with Manchester City. Remaining in La Liga has been his favoured option, meaning a proposal from another foreign club could be considered if it offered a solution to the impasse.

There had been speculation that Alvarez might take a more confrontational approach by refusing to attend training. That extreme form of pressure has not been completely ruled out, given the advice he has received from his representatives about managing the risks involved.

However, the striker’s decision to start following Atletico’s training instructions suggests his return could take place without disruption. He has been training remotely from his holiday base since Saturday, 1 August, under the club’s supervision.

A key question will be whether the failure to secure a move to Barcelona affects Alvarez’s performances. Nevertheless, there is no doubt within Atletico that his conduct will remain exemplary and professional, as it was from his first day at the club.

Atletico would prefer to draw a line under the dispute and see Alvarez continue wearing the club’s red-and-white shirt. Uncertainty remains, particularly if an attractive Premier League offer arrives at the Wanda Metropolitano and forces the club to reconsider its decision to retain the forward.

For now, Alvarez continues to believe that a transfer would be the best choice for his future. But amid the unresolved situation, the only certainty is that the player known as ‘The Spider’ is already training for Atletico even if he is doing so from a distance.