RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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SportsMoney Atletico Madrid Decision On FC Barcelona Target Alvarez Revealed By Simeone By Tom Sanderson ,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Tom Sanderson has been primarily based in Barcelona since 2019. Follow Author Aug 08, 2026, 05:21am EDT Aug 08, 2026, 05:31am EDT --:-- / --:-- This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . Summary Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has clarified the club's stance on Julian Alvarez, who is heavily linked with a move to FC Barcelona. Simeone stated that Atletico is very happy with Alvarez and committed to supporting his continued development, expecting him to replicate his excellent past two years. He subtly cautioned Alvarez by referencing Antoine Griezmann's ill-fated transfer to Barcelona and subsequent return to Atleti, implying a similar outcome could await. Despite reports that Alvarez intends to express his desire to leave on August 10th, and Barcelona's substantial €100 million offer, Atletico has firmly blocked any departure. Alvarez remains Barcelona's top target for the coveted number 9 shirt.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has revealed his club’s decision on the future and potential sale of Julian Alvarez , who has been continually linked with FC Barcelona.
“The situation is very clear, the entity made a decision that (Atleti CEO) Miguel Angel (Gil Marin) explained very well,” Simeone said, while appearing before the media in Seoul on Saturday and also ruling out a sale as Gil Marin had earlier.
"We are very happy with Julian, from a sporting point of view we will help him to continue growing, to continue improving and to give us again what he has given us in these two years, which was a lot.
“We have already seen what happened with Griezmann, I don’t see any other way than to work from the sporting side as we have to and try to help as we have done these two years,” Simeone added, in a nod to the Frenchman’s 2019, €120 million high-profile move to the Spotify Camp Nou.
Unable to gel with Lionel Messi, Griezmann was a flop in Catalonia who later returned to the Metropolitano with his tail between his legs.
Though the reception from Atleti fans was frosty at first given his perceived betrayal, Griezmann eventually worked his way back into their hearts and has since departed for the United States as a club legend.
Simeone seems to be warning his compatriot Alvarez about following a similar path, amid reports that he’ll tell Simeone and the board he wants out when reporting for preseason next week.
Though the focus has shifted to Rodri over the past couple of days, who has reportedly agreed to join the Catalans, his former Manchester City teammate Alvarez remains a top target to inherit Robert Lewandowski’s number 9 shirt.
June brought reports of Alvarez agreeing to sign a five-year contract with the Blaugrana, though Atleti has effectively blocked him joining by refusing to entertain a €100 million bid.
In essence, Simeone seems to be saying that Atleti plans to keep Julian on the books, despite his obvious desire to join Barça that was publicly stated during the World Cup.
"I don’t think it’s the time to talk, but I can’t hide either. I try to be an honest person. I spoke to the people at the club, who I had to talk to. I think the best thing for everyone is a transfer and I want to fulfill my dream," Alvarez said, after eventual runners up Argentina beat Austria.
As it stands, however, playing for FC Barcelona will remain just that for Julian - a dream.
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