Despite his future remaining one of the biggest stories of the summer, FC Barcelona priority target Julian Alvarez has resumed work under Atlético Madrid’s guidance, reports MARCA. The Argentine striker has remained silent since publicly declaring during the World Cup that he wanted a transfer to fulfill his “dream” of leaving the club.
Training Resumed From Afar Amid Transfer Uncertainty
Currently spending the final nine days of his break in Ibiza, Alvarez will spend this period following the fitness schedule designed by the club before reporting back to Atletico’s training ground on 10 August. He has re-established contact with Atletico to begin the individualized training program prepared for the club’s returning internationals. The striker has been working individually since 1 August, following the physical plan sent to him by Atlético’s coaching staff before reporting back to Ciudad Deportiva Wanda Atletico de Madrid in Majadahonda, Spain.
Legal Disputes and Blocked Paths to Camp Nou
Barcelona’s pursuit of Alvarez has become increasingly complicated. Relations between the two clubs deteriorated after Atletico accused Barça of attempting to persuade the player behind their backs, escalating into an official complaint filed with both the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and FIFA. Atleti CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin publicly insisted the club would not negotiate with Barcelona, effectively blocking a move to the Camp Nou.
As things stand, a move to the Camp Nou appears effectively blocked. That leaves Alvarez facing two difficult possibilities: continue at Atletico despite tensions surrounding his attempted exit or hope that a major offer arrives from a foreign club capable of changing the Rojiblancos’ position. Although he previously played for Manchester City, returning to the Premier League was not his preferred option, with the striker believed to have wanted to remain in Spain.
Preseason Realities
In recent weeks, there had even been speculation that Alvarez could refuse to report for preseason as a way of forcing a transfer. Instead, his decision to begin following Atletico’s training program suggests he intends to return to the club as scheduled.
Regardless of the uncertainty surrounding his future, Atletico Madrid have no concerns about Alvarez’s attitude. Within the club, there is confidence that he will continue to behave with the same professionalism he has shown since arriving. During the World Cup, Alvarez and Diego Simeone remained on good terms despite the growing transfer speculation. Likewise, Gil Marin placed much of the blame for the situation on the player’s representatives rather than on Alvarez himself, even encouraging him to follow the example of Antoine Griezmann, who rebuilt his relationship with the club after a transfer saga.
What Lies Ahead in the Summer Transfer Window
Although Atletico hope to move beyond the dispute and keep Julián as one of the team’s key players, uncertainty remains. According to the report, Barcelona and Real Madrid are no longer considered realistic destinations, meaning any future transfer would likely depend on interest from another foreign club willing to meet Atletico’s demands.
Until then, only one thing is certain. While the transfer saga continues, Alvarez is already back working under Atletico Madrid’s program, even if, for now, he is doing so from afar.
