Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone shuts down Julian Alvarez Barcelona transfer talk

By SABC Sport
8th August 2026

Diego Simeone has insisted Julian Alvarez will remain at Atletico Madrid despite growing transfer interest from Barcelona and other major clubs.

Atletico have made it clear they have no intention of selling the Argentina international during the current transfer window, with CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin also confirming the club's stance.

Simeone was asked about Alvarez ahead of Atletico's pre-season friendly against Manchester City in Seoul and said the club's position was clear.

"I think the situation is very clear. The club has made a decision that Miguel Angel has explained very well," Simeone said.

"From a sporting perspective, we're very happy to have a footballer like Julian.

"We will help him continue to grow, continue to improve and continue delivering the best - which has been a tremendous amount - that he has given us over the last two years."

Alvarez is expected to return to Atletico training in two days after being given time off following Argentina's World Cup final defeat by Spain.

The 26-year-old has been linked with Barcelona, Arsenal and Real Madrid during the transfer window. Atletico previously rejected a 150-million-euro offer from Real Madrid in June, while Barcelona have also been accused of making an approach for the forward.

Atletico subsequently filed a complaint with FIFA over Barcelona's alleged approach to the player.

Gil Marin has since made it clear that Atletico will reject any further attempts to sign Alvarez.

"We don't want to transfer him. We didn't accept the 100-million-euro offer, nor will we accept one for 150 million or 200 million," Gil Marin told Atletico's in-house media channel.

"I have no doubt that Atletico is the right place for Julian and that Julian is the centre-forward for Atletico Madrid. We want to keep him."

Alvarez has scored 49 goals for Atletico since joining from Manchester City two years ago and has become a key part of Simeone's team.

The striker previously suggested while on international duty that he believed a transfer could be the best option for everyone, although he did not reveal where he would like to move.

Simeone also addressed how Alvarez could be welcomed back by Atletico supporters following the speculation, pointing to the experience of Antoine Griezmann.

Griezmann left Atletico for Barcelona before eventually returning to Madrid. The France international initially faced a difficult reception from some supporters but went on to rebuild his relationship with the fans and became a club legend.

"We went through a period with Antoine in recent years where he had to leave, come back, and prove his quality and stature on the pitch," Simeone said.

"I see no other path than focusing on the sporting side of things, doing our part and helping him, just as we have done over the last few years."

Atletico finished fourth in La Liga last season, 25 points behind champions Barcelona, and will begin their new league campaign at home against newly promoted Malaga on August 19.

Before then, Simeone's side will face Manchester City in Seoul on Sunday as preparations for the new season continue.