It was perhaps the biggest saga of the summer: Julian Alvarez had his heart set on leaving Atletico Madrid, but he was unable to secure a move away.
The Argentine's preference was Barcelona, but his club were unwilling to let him move to their La Liga rivals. The forward's desire to leave was so public – as was Barca's interest – Atletico even released an explosive statement, insisting he was not for sale:
“The player is being victimised, but the only victim of the Julian case is us. They have harmed us economically and socially.
“There is zero per cent chance of selling him to Barca. This situation is not about money, it’s about dignity. There is zero per cent chance of selling it to Barca."
With Arsenal in the market for a forward, the Gunners were ready to land Alvarez if he gave up on his Barcelona dream. However, the Argentine didn't seem open to leaving Spain and with Atletico true to their word, he was not sold.
The summer transfer window closed two months ago. Since then, Alvarez has slowly been reintegrated back into the team. Here's a look at how he's getting on.
Alvarez's Mixed Form at Atletico since Failed Summer Exit
REUTERS/Thomas Peter
When the 2026/27 season started, the transfer market was still open. This made for an extremely messy opening few games. Although Alvarez missed Atletico's opening La Liga game, he was involved in their next game at home against Villarreal.
He played 24 minutes off the bench in a 2-2 draw at the Metropolitano Stadium, and was booed by his own fans when entering the pitch. There were even reports that club CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin insisted that the Argentine feature, as some kind of punishment, knowing that he would be jeered by the Atletico faithful.
It was suggested that this 'humiliation therapy' would force Alvarez to accept an offer from Arsenal, thus allowing Atleti to cash in on the clearly unhappy player, but not to Barcelona. However, the transfer deadline passed and no move occurred.
Since then, Alvarez has played 11 more games for his side, with four coming in the Champions League. He has just one goal and three assists, with seven starts in a total of 12 appearances.
He played the full 90 minutes in the recent home loss to Barcelona, picking up an assist. Following the defeat, the Spanish media made their feelings on the player very clear.
Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in action for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in action for Barcelona
Spanish Media Slam Julian Alvarez After Loss To Barcelona
Although he picked up an assist for Giuliano Simeone's goal, Alvarez also missed two clear chances. These included a one-on-one with Barca goalkeeper Joan Garcia, as well as a moment where he skied a big opportunity when through on goal again.
The Spanish press, via Goal, were not impressed. Journalist Manu Carreno was particularly sharp on Cadena SER radio:
"He is still unable to prove that he is worth 100 or 150 million euros. Atletico needs a striker who decides matches."
Former player Kiki Narvaez highlighted missed chances, saying: "They are two very clear chances, to the point that there was not even any reason to shout."
El Pais journalist Ladislao Monino said: "Given his technical abilities, it is not normal for Julian Alvarez to waste two chances as clear as that, as he did." While analyst Nacho Valencia noted on Radio Marca:
"You leave feeling like you threw your money in the bin."
With just months to go until the January transfer market opens, it will be interesting to see if Alvarez pushes to leave Atletico in the winter. If so, it remains to be seen if he only has eyes for Barcelona once more, or if a move to Arsenal could be on the cards.
Key Events Timeline
June 2026 — Alvarez publicly asked to leave Atletico Madrid after Argentina's World Cup win over Austria.
August 2026 — Atletico declared zero per cent chance of selling Alvarez to Barcelona.
August 2026 — Fans booed Alvarez off the bench in a 2-2 draw with Villarreal.
September 2026 — Spain's transfer window closed with Alvarez still an Atletico player.
November 2026 — Alvarez assisted but missed big chances in a 2-1 home defeat to Barcelona, leading to criticism in Spanish media.