Julian Alvarez future remains at Atletico de Madrid after club statement

Atletico de Madrid have confirmed that they will not negotiate Julian Alvarez’s transfer to Barcelona, with the club’s board unanimously backing the decision to reject talks over the Argentina international this summer.

Alvarez reportedly expressed a desire to leave Atletico de Madrid while representing Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, a position that caused frustration within the Madrid club. Barcelona are understood to be the striker’s preferred destination and are keen to sign him, but Atletico remain determined to keep the 26-year-old.

The situation has intensified after Alvarez missed Atletico training for a second successive day on Thursday. The team are preparing to play Sevilla on Saturday, while the striker’s absence has added to speculation about his future.

In a statement published on their official website, Atletico said: “The members of the Atletico de Madrid board of directors unanimously expressed their full support for the club’s decision not to negotiate the transfer of Julian Alvarez to FC Barcelona.”

The club added: “The members of the board understand that Atletico de Madrid are open to the usual negotiations in the transfer market, but always in an ethical and professional manner, with mutual respect between the two clubs. We fully support the position previously expressed by the club that FC Barcelona have not complied with these conditions and, therefore, there have not been and will not be any negotiations with them over the transfer of Julian Alvarez.”

Atletico also said they expected Alvarez to accept the decision and return his focus to helping the club meet its targets.

The statement continued: “Atletico de Madrid trust that our player will understand the decision and will focus on working to the best of his abilities to help the club achieve its objectives, as he has already done during the two seasons in which he has defended our colours.”

Alvarez joined Atletico with the club now insisting that his contract, which runs until 2030, remains the basis of their position.

The forward has spent two seasons with Atletico de Madrid, and the club’s statement makes clear that it currently has no intention of considering Barcelona’s interest. While Atletico acknowledged that it is prepared to take part in normal transfer-market negotiations, it said any such discussions must be conducted professionally and with respect between the clubs.

According to the club, those conditions have not been met by Barcelona. As a result, Atletico say there have been no discussions over Alvarez’s transfer and that there will be none.

The latest declaration comes as uncertainty continues to surround the striker, whose reported wish to leave and consecutive absences from training have placed his position at the centre of attention ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Sevilla.