Argentine striker Julián Álvarez has begun training according to club instructions, despite wanting to move to Barcelona. Atlético refused the sale and filed a complaint with the Federation and FIFA.
Julián Álvarez, the Argentine striker for Atlético Madrid, has started working according to club guidelines from his holiday retreat, reports Goal.com, citing Spanish outlet Marca. This move surprised many, given that Álvarez made it clear to the club this summer that he wanted to leave, with Barcelona emerging as his most likely destination in recent weeks.
The Catalan club is on the hunt for a striker to replace Robert Lewandowski, and Álvarez has emerged as the primary target. However, Atlético Madrid has lost patience with the tactics being used to lure the Argentine to Camp Nou. The frustration culminated in an official complaint to the Spanish Football Federation and FIFA.
Miguel Ángel Gil, the chief executive of Atlético Madrid, publicly stated that he will not accept any offer from Barcelona. This has made Álvarez's situation extremely complex. The striker now faces two options: stay and face the wrath of fans over what is perceived as an insult, or bring the management an offer from abroad that could change their refusal to sell.
After his stint at Manchester City, the Premier League no longer appeals to Álvarez. His preferred destination has always been to remain in Spain. Speculation suggested he might refuse to train as an extreme measure of pressure, but his willingness to follow club instructions tells a different story.
Since Saturday, August 1, 2026, Álvarez has been working according to Atlético's guidelines from his holiday location. His return to team training is scheduled for August 10, 2026. No one at the club doubts that Álvarez's behavior will remain professional, just as it was from day one.
The whole story also has a side note-controversy surrounding transfer-specialist journalist Fabrizio Romano. A message was posted on his official Telegram channel defending his reputation: "A process has been initiated to try to discredit Fabrizio Romano on X (unsocial and fecal)."
The post adds: "Fabrizio has successfully specialized in transfer news and has a devastating accuracy rate. The rest is envy." It also quotes a saying: "Envy is poison. It hurts the one who has it more than the one who suffers it."
Atlético wants to draw a line under the dispute and keep Álvarez in the red-and-white jersey. Uncertainty will nevertheless remain, especially if a tempting offer arrives from the Premier League at the Wanda Metropolitano. That could force the club to reconsider its decision, while the striker is convinced that leaving is best for his future. One thing is certain-"The Spider" is already training, albeit remotely, under Atlético's supervision.
