Julian Alvarez has told Atletico de Madrid head coach Diego Simeone that he wants to move to Barcelona, but the Spanish club continue to refuse to sell the Argentina forward to the Catalan side.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Alvarez spoke to Simeone before Atletico de Madrid’s training session on Wednesday. The discussion took place in a friendly atmosphere, with the player explaining his position directly to the manager.
Simeone made clear that Atletico de Madrid had already reached a decision over Alvarez’s future. The coach also told the forward that, in his role as manager, he could support him only in sporting matters rather than influence the club’s stance on a potential transfer.
The position communicated by Simeone is that Atletico de Madrid intend to retain Alvarez for the 2026-27 season. The manager is counting on the forward as part of his plans for the campaign, despite the player’s reported wish to join Barcelona.
The conversation therefore did not alter the situation. Alvarez has made his preference known, while Atletico de Madrid remain unwilling to sell him to Barcelona. Simeone’s response was to distinguish between the club’s decision and his own responsibilities as coach, while reaffirming that the player remains part of his plans.
Atletico de Madrid will begin their 2026-27 season on Wednesday, 19 August. Simeone’s team will play their opening match at home against Malaga in the Spanish league.
That fixture is scheduled to be the first competitive appearance of the new campaign for Atletico de Madrid, with Alvarez expected to remain within the manager’s sporting plans. The forward’s transfer preference has not changed the club’s decision, and there is no indication in the report that Atletico de Madrid are prepared to open the door to a move to Barcelona.
The latest development follows the direct conversation between Alvarez and Simeone, rather than a change in the official position of Atletico de Madrid. The coach’s message was that he could help the player on the pitch and in footballing matters, but that the club had already decided against selling the forward to Barcelona.
For now, the situation leaves Alvarez facing the start of the season with Atletico de Madrid. The club are preparing to host Malaga on 19 August, while Simeone continues to regard the Argentina international as part of his plans for the upcoming campaign.