Will Julian Alvarez Join Barcelona? Here’s What Cholo Simeone Said

With just one week left for this potential transfer to be completed, here’s what the Atlético de Madrid manager had to say about Julian Alvarez’s future.

Diego Simeone was unequivocal about Julián Álvarez’s future. Amid rumors linking the Argentine striker with a move to Barcelona, the Atlético de Madrid manager publicly backed his continued stay and made it clear that, from his perspective, the matter is settled.

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Simeone Speaks Out on Julián Álvarez’s Potential Exit

During the press conference ahead of Atlético de Madrid’s 2026-27 LaLiga opener against Málaga, the Cholo addressed the striker’s situation directly and backed the position taken by CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín.

“If the owner of the club speaks so categorically the way he did, there’s nothing more to say. It’s like in court—there’s no room for anything else,” Simeone said.

The Argentine coach believes the club’s position is clear enough to put an end to any further debate over a potential transfer. Gil Marín has repeatedly insisted that Atlético have no intention of parting ways with their main attacking star.

The situation is particularly significant because Julián Álvarez remains under contract with Atlético until June 2030 and reportedly has a release clause worth around $580 million.

Barcelona Still Looms Over Julián Álvarez’s Future

Rumors of a potential Julián Álvarez transfer to Barcelona have intensified during the summer transfer window. The Argentine is reportedly interested in wearing the Blaugrana shirt, but Atlético Madrid remain firmly opposed to letting him leave.

The situation has also attracted attention because Álvarez has only been back in training for a week following his post-2026 World Cup vacation.

For that reason, Simeone confirmed that the striker will not be available against Málaga, in the opening match of the 2026-27 LaLiga season, scheduled for Wednesday, August 19.

The Atlético manager explained that Álvarez needs more time to regain his best form before returning to competitive action: “He needs more training sessions to be in better shape.”

LaLiga

Julián Álvarez’s Final Chance to Join Barcelona

Simeone Wants to Build Atlético Around Julián Álvarez

Beyond the transfer rumors, the manager’s sporting message was even more emphatic. Simeone considers Julián Álvarez a cornerstone of his project at Atlético.

“He is one of the players—or the best player—we have offensively,” the Argentine coach said.

He then explained his plans for the team: “Try to build a team around him,” taking into account his power, quality, pedigree, talent and everything he has contributed to the club during his time in Madrid.

Since joining Atlético Madrid in 2024, Julián Álvarez has scored 49 goals in 106 appearances, numbers that help explain why Simeone wants to keep him as the focal point of the attack.

For now, the message from the Atlético boss is clear: Julián Álvarez is staying at Atlético de Madrid. However, the summer transfer window remains open until September 1, meaning Simeone acknowledged that the final outcome will have to wait until the market closes.