Julián Álvarez is back in Madrid. The Argentine striker underwent his medical with Atlético de Madrid on Monday, following a period of vacation granted after the World Cup. But this return is far from signalling the end of the saga — it marks the beginning of a new chapter.
Atlético refer the matter to FIFA and the RFEF
FC Barcelona continue to apply pressure to lure the player nicknamed La Araña, while Atlético categorically refuse to let him leave. The Madrid club have taken an additional step by formally referring the matter to FIFA and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), claiming that Barcelona have exerted excessive and inappropriate influence over the player.
The position of managing president Miguel Ángel Gil Marín leaves no room for doubt: he has publicly repeated that he will not give way, even for 100, 150 or 200 million euros. Atlético consider Álvarez untransferable.
The player himself is fuelling the situation
The man at the centre of it all has not helped matters. Álvarez stated that a move to Barcelona could be 'the best for everyone', a comment that has further stoked tensions between the two clubs. According to available information, Barça are said to have put forward an offer in the region of 100 million euros, a figure deemed insufficient by Atlético.
A decisive meeting with Simeone
The next step will be closely watched: Diego Simeone is set to meet his striker on Wednesday. This first direct exchange since Álvarez's return carries as much political weight as sporting significance, with the Argentine coach having to navigate an unprecedented situation in his dressing room.
For now, Julián Álvarez is officially and contractually an Atlético de Madrid player. But with two days to go before his reunion with Simeone, the Barcelona file is very far from being closed.
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