Atletico de Madrid v Villarreal CF - LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27
MADRID, SPAIN - AUGUST 23: Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Atletico de Madrid and Villarreal CF at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on August 23, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Luis Mazariegos Luis Mazariegos has been a lead writer and editor for Barca Blaugranes since 2012, bringing tactical analysis, transfer reports, opinion columns, and investigative coverage to the SB Nation network. An award-winning journalist, he has held press credentials for Champions League and La Liga fixtures – reporting live from the stadium, press box, and press conferences. He frequently provides commentary as a guest on football podcasts and radio shows. In addition to his sports media work, Luis spent over a decade in broadcast television and currently serves as an editor for a major digital news network.
Julián Alvarez has not turned up to training for the third consecutive day. Atlético de Madrid have once again made it clear they do not want to let him leave for FC Barcelona. Now, according to rumors, the player has turned up with a doctor’s note stating he cannot train due to clinical depression.
With only a few days left until the summer transfer window shuts, Atlético seem completely unwilling to sell him to Barça.
The capital club’s CEO, Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, said that Alvarez was “not doing well” because he was “tricked.” Gil Marín made it clear that he thought Alvarez was a good person, but hinted that someone was feeding him lies.
Previously, Alvarez himself made a post on social media in which he hinted that he was lied to, but it’s been widely understood in the media that he was referring to Gil Marín himself as the liar. Reports had said the player had been promised he’d be allowed to leave Atlético.
Arsenal FC are said to be another potential suitor. Until now, Alvarez has rebuffed the offer. But reports say that it cannot be ruled out, especially as Alvarez continues to distance himself from Atlético. Los Colchoneros are said to be unwilling to sell him to an inter-league rival, but may be more willing to negotiate with the Premier League club.
Rather surprisingly, Manchester City are also being mentioned. Carrusel Deportivo say City wanted to bring him back on loan but Alvarez has rejected the offer. Alvarez is also said to have trained alone at Atletico on Friday afternoon after sitting out the last few sessions with his team-mates, but it’s still not clear if he will remain with the club for the 2026-27 season.
Will Alvarez get a move or is he is to stay at Atletico? Tell us what you think will happen next in the comments below!