Atlético de Madrid coach Diego Simeone spoke incisively about rumors of a possible transfer of striker Julián Álvarez to Barcelona, in an interview given on August 9, 2026.
The Argentine coach reinforced the position of the club’s board, stating with conviction that the player will not be traded and will remain in the Spanish capital.
On the same topic: Barcelona and Liverpool agree to loan defender Ronald Araújo for one season
It is important to remember that, during the most recent World Cup, Álvarez had expressed to the press his desire to leave Atlético de Madrid during the current transfer window.
“The situation is quite clear. The club has already established a decision, which [CEO] Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has already clearly detailed,” declared Simeone.
The Atlético de Madrid commander added: “We are very pleased with Julián. In the sporting field, we will support him to continue his growth, improving his skills and maintaining the high level of performance he has shown in the last two years, which is already considerable.”
More on this story: Atlético de Madrid seeks to negotiate Flamengo target Thiago Almada; see the factors that hindered your success
More philosophically, he ended by saying: “Everything will fall into place, just as it always does in life.”
In previous months, Atlético’s board and its main executives reiterated that there was no interest in negotiating the striker, even considering taking action with FIFA against Barcelona for alleged harassment of the athlete.
Álvarez has a contractual relationship with the Madrid club until June 30, 2030, and his contract includes a termination clause worth 500 million euros, which is equivalent to approximately 3 billion reais.
Full coverage: Latest News (EN)
On August 10, 2026, the player returned to Atlético after his vacation, completing his physical testing schedule with teammates Baena and Llorente, after his participation in the World Cup with the Argentina national team.