Julian Alvarez steps up efforts to secure Atletico Madrid departure

“Things will be complicated, but we will continue to insist because we believe in what we are doing.” That is the message from Julian Alvarez’s camp as the Argentina forward continues to seek a move from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona.

Alvarez’s desire to leave remains unchanged, but those around him recognise that the situation is becoming increasingly difficult as the days pass. They also accept that time is beginning to work against the 25-year-old.

The forward was due to undergo routine medical checks on Monday before joining Atletico’s pre-season training programme. Instead, he went directly for the examination alongside Alex Baena and Marcos Llorente at a clinic in Madrid used by the club, before leaving the facilities.

Alvarez’s next expected step is to report for training as normal. That would bring into focus Miguel Angel Gil Marin, Atletico Madrid’s chief executive and the club’s most senior executive.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Gil Marin has been aware of Alvarez’s wish to leave for several days after receiving the message through different channels. However, he has not considered a further conversation necessary because he believes Atletico’s position is already clear.

Alvarez’s representatives take a different view. They believe it is important for the striker to explain his position personally and for the club to hear him before a final decision is made.

His camp also feels that keeping a player for an entire season after he has expressed a desire for a change could create an uncomfortable situation for everyone involved.

Those close to the Argentina international also refer to a previous conversation with Gil Marin. According to the same sources, Alvarez understood from that discussion that Atletico would make it easier for him to leave if he ever formally expressed such a wish.

He now believes that moment has arrived and is waiting for the opportunity to speak directly with the executive.

Alvarez has already made his position public once during the World Cup. After Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Austria, he told reporters in the mixed zone that he had spoken to Atletico and said he believed the best solution would be to complete a transfer so he could fulfil his dream.

Since then, however, he has avoided escalating the dispute publicly.

At the same time, Alvarez held a lengthy meeting with his representatives Fernando Hidalgo and Sergio Diaz on Monday. The meeting lasted about two and a half hours.

The discussion formed part of the near-daily contact between the forward and his agents, meaning his camp is reluctant to attach more significance to it than it deserves. Even so, the timing is viewed as important as Alvarez and his representatives consider how to handle the coming days.

Their immediate focus is on finding a way to secure a conversation with Gil Marin. The preferred solution remains dialogue, rather than any act of defiance or decision that could put Alvarez into direct conflict with Atletico’s supporters.

The situation is becoming harder for all parties. Atletico continue to insist that they are counting on Alvarez, while Barcelona cannot wait indefinitely and are exploring alternative options to strengthen their attack.

The transfer saga is therefore unresolved. The next move sought by Alvarez’s camp is not a public statement or another media appearance, but a face-to-face meeting in which Atletico can hear directly from the player that he wants to join Barcelona next season.