Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has given a fresh update on Julian Alvarez ahead of the start of their 2026-27 La Liga season.
Alvarez continues to be linked with a move to Barcelona even though Atletico chiefs have insisted he is not for sale and will not depart.
Simeone has been quizzed again on the Argentina international and had the following to say at a press conference on Tuesday.
“I think if the club owner spoke definitively, I think that’s all there is to it. From that place, from the sporting point of view, we will try to take care of the person and the player. And hope that he is in the condition he needs to be at his level.
“We don’t see him in the right condition to play yet, I hope that in the next four days he evolves and is closer to what we want.”
Atletico CEO Gil Marin has previously said that he doesn’t want to sell Alvarez and has even accused Barcelona of disrespecting his club in their pursuit of the striker.
Simeone’s side kick off their league season on Wednesday night against Malaga, while Barcelona are in action on Sunday away at Elche.