Julian Alvarez returned to Atletico Madrid training on Sunday as speculation continued over Barcelona’s pursuit of the Argentina forward. Alvarez missed three group training sessions late last week after Atletico said he was suffering from “an indisposition”. He returned to individual training at the club’s Majadahonda base on Friday but was left out of the squad for Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Sevilla.
Atletico’s director of men’s professional football, Mateu Alemany, said the club expected Alvarez to return to action soon. “The plan is crystal clear. Julian had a few days where he wasn’t feeling well. Yesterday he trained and we hope he’ll be back in action quickly and be available for the next LaLiga match. I’ve been speaking to him as normal,” Alemany told reporters before the Sevilla match.
Alvarez’s return comes with the LaLiga transfer window due to close on Tuesday, leaving little time for Barcelona to resolve their interest in the 26-year-old. The situation has remained tense since Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin accused Barcelona of dishonesty last week and insisted Alvarez would not be sold to the Catalan club.
Barcelona’s interest has added to uncertainty around the striker, who joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024. Alvarez has reportedly been open to a move to Barcelona, having said during the World Cup that he “wanted to fulfil his dream” of playing for the club.
According to sources close to the situation, Arsenal are the only viable alternative should the Premier League club make an offer of around €150 million ($174m). For now, Alvarez’s return to Atletico training provides some clarity over his immediate situation, although his future remains one of the biggest transfer stories ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
