Julian Alvarez returned to training with Atletico Madrid this week, but his future remains no clearer as his desire to join Barcelona continues to clash with the club’s refusal to negotiate.
The Argentine striker has remained professional throughout the situation, yet reports suggest those close to him feel ‘deceived and betrayed’ by Atletico’s handling of the saga.
Alvarez had reportedly been asked by Atletico to make his desire to leave public. He did so during the World Cup, but the club’s position only became firmer afterwards.
Julian Alvarez’s Barcelona hopes continue to clash with Atletico stance
According to Cadena Ser, Atletico boss Diego Simeone spoke to Alvarez last Wednesday and made it clear that the club’s stance had not changed.
Simeone also told the striker that he remains part of his plans for next season.
That has done little to ease the situation. Barcelona have already made an opening offer of €100 million for Alvarez, but Miguel Angel Gil Marin has refused to negotiate and the Catalan club have yet to receive a response.
Alvarez has not tried to force his way out.
He was left out of the friendly against Olympique Marseille alongside the other internationals who had only recently returned to Simeone’s training, including Alex Baena, Marcos Llorente and Horatiu Moldovan.
The Argentine was back with the group on Saturday, but photographs from training have painted a different picture.
Sport highlighted Alvarez’s professionalism, while images published by El Desmarque appeared to show a player who looked far from happy around his Atletico teammates.
There is little sign of warmth in the situation, either.
Simeone, meanwhile, does not appear to be rushing towards a solution. Atletico have made their position clear both publicly and through their actions, with no appetite to let their striker leave.
The contrast with Luis Enrique’s handling of Bradley Barcola has also been noted.
When asked about the French winger’s future, the Paris Saint-Germain coach said: ‘When a player does not want to play here or does not show a smile while being here, it is better to look for another solution.’
During his time Pep Guardiola had also taken a similar approach at Manchester City, while Barcelona recently allowed Ferran Torres to leave rather than force a player to stay.
At Atletico, the approach with Alvarez is very different.
For now, the striker remains an Atletico player and continues to train with Simeone’s squad.
Barcelona are waiting, while the mood around Alvarez suggests this transfer story is becoming increasingly uncomfortable.
With Barca desperately in need of an established striker and Julian reportedly having a heart for the other team.
Read more: