Atletico Madrid Refuses to Sell Julian Alvarez to Barcelona

Atletico Madrid will not sell forward Julian Alvarez to Barcelona or any other club during the current transfer window, coach Diego Simeone confirmed on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The statement comes as Barcelona sporting director Deco met with the player's representative, Fernando Hidalgo, in Madrid to discuss a potential move.

Simeone addressed the ongoing speculation at a press conference ahead of a preseason friendly against Manchester City in Seoul. "I think the situation is very clear. The club has made a decision that CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin has explained very well," Simeone told reporters. "From a sporting perspective, we're very happy to have a footballer like Julian. We will help him continue to grow, continue to improve and continue delivering the best."

The coach's comments echoed those of club CEO Gil Marin, who stated unequivocally that Atletico has no intention of parting with the Argentina international. "We don't want to transfer him. We didn't accept the 100-million-euro offer, nor will we accept one for 150 million or 200 million," Gil Marin said. "I have no doubt that Atletico is the right place for Julian and that Julian is the centre-forward for Atletico...