Julián Álvarez has resumed training with Atlético Madrid following the World Cup, despite Barcelona’s pursuit of the Argentine striker dominating the summer transfer window, reports MARCA. The 24-year-old declared his desire to join the Catalan club during the tournament but now appears committed to completing his fitness programme ahead of the 2023–24 season.
Barcelona’s Pursuit Faces Official Obstacles
The forward’s potential move to Camp Nou has become increasingly fraught with complications. Atlético accused Barcelona of approaching the player without permission, triggering an official complaint filed with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and FIFA.
Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín made public statements insisting the club would not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances. The deterioration in relations between both organisations has effectively blocked the transfer for now.
A move to the Camp Nou appears off the table unless circumstances shift dramatically. This leaves Álvarez with limited options: remain at Atlético despite the acrimony surrounding his exit attempt or wait for a foreign club to table an offer substantial enough to convince the Madrid-based outfit to reconsider.
Return to Individual Training Programme
Álvarez has been working on a personalised fitness schedule since 1 August, following instructions sent by Atlético’s coaching staff. Currently on holiday in Ibiza, he will complete the final nine days of his break while adhering to the club’s training plan before reporting to the training ground on 10 August.
His willingness to follow the programme contradicts earlier speculation that he might refuse to participate in preseason as leverage for a transfer. The decision signals his intention to return as a full squad member rather than create further disruption.
During the World Cup, Álvarez and manager Diego Simeone maintained positive relations despite transfer noise intensifying. Gil Marín directed much of the blame towards the player’s representatives rather than Álvarez himself, encouraging him to follow Antoine Griezmann’s example by rebuilding his relationship with the club after a similar saga.
What This Means for Atlético’s Season
Álvarez represents a key attacking asset for Atlético Madrid, and his continued presence strengthens their squad depth for the campaign ahead. The club’s confidence in his professionalism has not wavered, with internal belief that he will maintain standards despite the turbulent circumstances surrounding his future.
However, uncertainty persists. The situation could shift if a significant offer arrives from abroad—though Barcelona and Real Madrid are no longer considered realistic destinations. Any future departure would depend entirely on interest from a foreign club prepared to meet Atlético’s financial demands.
Until such an offer materialises, Álvarez’s focus remains on conditioning himself for competitive action. His commitment to the training programme suggests he has accepted his immediate future lies at the Wanda Metropolitano, regardless of his stated preferences during the World Cup.
