Julián Álvarez is removed from Atlético de Madrid friendly amid his desire to leave for Barcelona
Striker Julián Álvarez was left out of Atlético de Madrid’s friendly against Olympique de Marseille, which takes place on August 14, 2026, at 12:30 pm (Brasília time), in France. The decision comes amid intense rumors about the player’s possible transfer to Barcelona.
The Argentine athlete’s absence was already expected, as he had only recently been reinstated in Atlético’s training. His late return was due to the extended vacation period after participating in the final of the last World Cup with his country’s team.
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It is still uncertain, however, whether Álvarez will be included in the list of players for the clash against Málaga, scheduled for August 19, which will mark Atlético de Madrid’s debut in LALIGA. The player continues to express his desire to leave the colchoneros.
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According to reports, the striker had a private meeting with Atlético coach, Diego Simeone, on August 12. At the meeting, he informed the coach of his intention to leave, mentioning the interest of both Barcelona and Arsenal in his football.
The circle close to Álvarez indicates that there is an expectation for a change in Atlético’s stance. So far, the club has shown intransigence regarding the possibility of the Argentine star leaving.
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Sources linked to the Madrid club guarantee that the player will not be traded to Barcelona. Publicly, the team’s main manager, Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, stated that the colchoneros will not accept offers for Julián. The striker’s contract with the team extends until 2030, and the termination fine is valued at 500 million euros (around R$3 billion), an amount considered unpayable.
Álvarez returned to Atlético on August 11 and carried out individual work with the club’s physical trainer, Luis Piñedo. This schedule was already planned for the athletes who participated in the final stretch of the World Cup. The following day, August 12, the player trained alongside the rest of the squad.
In addition to the Argentine striker, other players who played in the World Cup final with Spain, such as Álex Baena and Marcos Llorente, were also not included in the friendly against Olympique de Marseille.
