Mundo Deportivo reported that Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has once again made clear the club has no intention of selling Julian Alvarez to Barcelona. The Argentine coach delivered his latest comments while the team conducts preseason preparations in Seoul, backing the position of chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin that any decision on the striker must be viewed through a sporting lens. Simeone considers Alvarez a key part of his squad for the upcoming campaign, a stance that has done little to deter the Catalan club from its interest.
According to the same Spanish newspaper, Alvarez stands as the priority attacking target for Barcelona sporting director Deco and coach Hansi Flick. The 26-year-old rejoined Atletico training after his summer vacation, setting the stage for a potential conversation with Simeone in the coming days where he could personally advocate for a transfer. Barcelona’s immediate goal centers on persuading Atletico to entertain offers and open negotiations before any improved proposal can be tabled.
ESPN reported one day earlier that Simeone and Atletico Madrid continue to stand firm on keeping Alvarez despite the ongoing interest from Barcelona. The saga dates back several months, with the Catalan side having submitted an offer of around 100 million euros earlier in the summer that Atletico rejected outright. President Joan Laporta has described the bid as substantial yet time-limited, reflecting Barcelona’s need to finalise its attacking options ahead of the LaLiga season opener.
FotMob data from the 2025-26 LaLiga season shows Alvarez contributed eight goals and four assists across 29 appearances for Atletico Madrid. The forward joined the club from Manchester City in 2024 in a deal reported by multiple outlets at the time to be worth more than 75 million euros. His versatility and proven record in Spain have made him an attractive option for Barcelona, which saw Robert Lewandowski depart to Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire this summer, according to ESPN.
The Athletic noted in June that Alvarez had publicly indicated a desire to move to Barcelona, framing it as the fulfilment of a dream after speaking with Atletico officials. That position drew a sharp response from the Madrid club, which has ruled out a sale to its LaLiga rival and set a release clause reportedly as high as 500 million euros in some accounts. Real Madrid also saw a substantial bid for the player turned down earlier in the window, Sky Sports said at the time.
Mundo Deportivo added that Barcelona aims to resolve the future of forward Ferran Torres in parallel with its efforts to land Alvarez. The coming week may clarify the situation as Alvarez engages directly with Simeone and Atletico’s stance undergoes further testing. Transfer negotiations have so far produced no breakthrough, leaving the striker’s short-term future at the Wanda Metropolitano.
