Simeone Insists Atlético Madrid Will Not Sell Julián Álvarez Amid Barcelona Interest
Atlético Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has reaffirmed the club’s determination to keep Argentina international striker Julián Álvarez, insisting that the forward will not be allowed to leave during the current transfer window despite reported interest from Barcelona.
Speaking on Saturday ahead of Atlético’s friendly against Manchester City in Seoul, South Korea, Simeone said the club’s position on Álvarez’s future was clear and had already been outlined by chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín.
“From a sporting perspective, we are extremely happy to have a player like Julián,” Simeone told reporters. “We will help him continue developing, improving and giving his best. He has already given us a great deal over the past two years.”
Álvarez is expected to return to Atlético training within the next two days after being given time off following Argentina’s appearance in the World Cup final, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain on July 19.
The 26-year-old forward had previously fueled speculation about his future during the tournament when he suggested that a transfer could be the best option for everyone, although he did not reveal a preferred destination.
Since joining Atlético from Manchester City two years ago, Álvarez has scored 49 goals for the Spanish club and established himself as one of the key figures in Simeone’s attacking plans.
Atlético Escalates Dispute With Barcelona
The uncertainty surrounding Álvarez’s future has also led to tensions between Atlético and Barcelona.
Last month, Atlético filed a complaint with FIFA against the Catalan club, accusing Barcelona of attempting to contact Álvarez in an unauthorized manner.
The Argentine forward has also been linked with a possible move to Arsenal, the reigning Premier League champions. However, Atlético have repeatedly made clear that they have no intention of allowing their star striker to leave.
The Madrid club reportedly rejected a €150 million offer from Real Madrid in June, worth approximately $173.4 million, further demonstrating the extent of its determination to retain the player.
Atlético Chief Executive Rejects Any Offer
Gil Marín has also publicly ruled out the possibility of selling Álvarez, regardless of the size of any potential offer.
“We don’t want to sell him. We did not accept an offer of €100 million, and we would not accept €150 million or €200 million,” Gil Marín said.
He added that he had no doubt Atlético was the right club for Álvarez and that the Argentine was the ideal striker for the team.
“We want to keep him,” he emphasized.
Simeone Recalls Griezmann Experience
Asked how Atlético supporters might react to Álvarez after months of speculation surrounding his future, Simeone referred to the experience of French forward Antoine Griezmann.
Griezmann left Atlético for Barcelona in a major transfer before eventually returning to the Madrid club. His initial return was met with hostility from some Atlético supporters, but he gradually regained their trust and eventually left the club last season as one of its modern-day legends.
Simeone believes the best way for Álvarez to move beyond the controversy is to focus on football and prove his value on the pitch.
“We went through a similar period with Antoine in recent years, when he had to leave and then return and prove his value and importance on the pitch,” Simeone said.
“I don’t see any other way than focusing on the sporting side, doing our job and helping him, as we have done over the past few years.”
Álvarez Remains Central to Atlético’s Plans
The statements from Simeone and Atlético’s management make it clear that the club has no intention of opening the door for Álvarez’s departure this summer, despite growing interest from several of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The Argentine has become a central figure in Atlético’s attacking setup since arriving from Manchester City, and his goal-scoring record has strengthened his importance to Simeone’s plans.
Atlético will begin their La Liga campaign on August 19 when they host Málaga, who have returned to the Spanish top flight this season.
The Madrid side finished fourth last season, ending the campaign 25 points behind champions Barcelona.
