Simeone spoke about the situation of Julián Alvarez at Atlético de Madrid: The entity took a decision

Diego Simeone, coach of Atlético de Madrid, addressed the ongoing situation surrounding forward Julián Alvarez during a press conference ahead of a friendly match against Manchester City in Seoul. According to reports, the club has decided not to transfer the player, despite interest from several clubs, including the FC Barcelona. Simeone emphasized that the decision was made by the club’s management, with Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, the club’s chief executive, explaining the stance clearly. “The situation is very clear,” Simeone stated. “The entity has taken a decision.” Simeone reiterated his confidence in Alvarez, stating that the team is committed to supporting the player’s continued growth and success. He noted that Alvarez has been a valuable asset to the squad over the past two years, contributing significantly to their performances. “We are very happy to have a player like Julián,” he added, expressing hope that the forward will continue to improve and deliver at his best. Alvarez himself had previously expressed his desire to move away from Atlético, citing personal aspirations. During the 2026 World Cup, he mentioned conversations with representatives from the club and stated that a transfer would be beneficial for all parties involved. However, the specific destination for such a move remained unclear. The player's potential departure has sparked speculation, especially given the interest from Barcelona, which reportedly made a bid worth up to 100 million euros. In response to this, Gil Marín, the club’s chief executive, categorically denied any intention to sell Alvarez, rejecting offers ranging from 100 to 200 million euros. The club had already turned down a 150-million-euro offer from Real Madrid earlier in the year. “We don’t want to transfer him,” Marín stated. “Atlético is the place for Julián, and he is the center forward we need.” Additionally, the club filed a complaint with the FIFA regarding alleged discussions between Barcelona and Alvarez, indicating a concern over potential violations of transfer regulations. The uncertainty around Alvarez’s future has led to questions about how fans might react upon his return. Simeone referenced the case of Antoine Griezmann, who left the club temporarily before returning and eventually becoming a fan favorite. “We had a period with Antoine, who had to go and come back, proving his quality and hierarchy on the field,” Simeone recalled. He stressed that the focus should remain on supporting Alvarez through his development, just as they did in the past. As Alvarez prepares to return to training, the situation remains unresolved. While the club has ruled out transfers, the player’s personal ambitions and external pressures could still influence the outcome. With the football world watching closely, the next steps will likely depend on further developments between the club, the player, and any interested parties. For now, the message from Atlético is clear: they intend to keep Alvarez under their banner.