Julian Alvarez returns to Atletico Madrid as Barcelona hopes face another setback

Julian Alvarez has completed his medical in Madrid as he begins his official return to Atletico de Madrid, but the decisive meeting he hoped to have with Diego Pablo Simeone about his future has been postponed until at least Wednesday.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Simeone extended his holiday by several days after Atletico de Madrid’s friendly in South Korea. The manager is not expected back in the Spanish capital until the middle of this week, meaning Alvarez will have to wait before discussing a situation he considers crucial to his next decision.

The Argentina international underwent his medical on Monday at a private clinic in Madrid, following Atletico de Madrid’s usual medical arrangements. He has not yet reported to the club’s Ciudad Deportiva training complex.

Once the checks are complete, Alvarez is expected to resume work with his team-mates. However, the main focus remains on the conversation with Simeone and whether the manager’s view could influence the player’s plans.

Atletico maintain firm position

Atletico de Madrid have not changed their position regarding Alvarez. Senior club officials told Spanish newspaper Sport that the forward remains unavailable for transfer and that the club currently has no intention of negotiating his departure.

That stance comes despite sustained interest in the striker during recent months from Barcelona and other European clubs.

Alvarez believes there was an implicit understanding with Atletico that the club would be prepared to listen to offers on his behalf after the end of last season. He considers that possibility to have been part of discussions between the two sides.

The player now wants to remind general manager Gil Marin personally of that understanding. Atletico, however, see the situation very differently and have shown no willingness to make it easier for him to leave, particularly in the direction of Barcelona.

Alvarez hoping for dialogue

Alvarez’s desire to play for Barcelona has not changed. He intends to communicate that preference to Atletico’s hierarchy again, while hoping the club will at least agree to enter negotiations.

The Argentine does not want to provoke a crisis or force a split with Atletico de Madrid. At the same time, he is not prepared to conceal his priority if he is eventually able to leave Madrid on amicable terms.

The delayed meeting with Simeone is therefore viewed as an important moment. Alvarez wants clarity over the manager’s position before making any final decisions, but he must now wait until Simeone returns to Madrid.

Barcelona watching carefully

Barcelona are monitoring developments from a distance and are proceeding cautiously. The Catalan club have already expressed serious interest in Alvarez, but understand that any progress depends entirely on Atletico changing their current refusal to negotiate.

If Atletico de Madrid were to open the door to talks a scenario considered unlikely at present Barcelona would be ready to try again and submit a new formal proposal.

For now, Alvarez has completed the first practical step of his return by passing his medical, while the discussions that could shape his future at Atletico remain on hold.