Simeone Confirms Alvarez Benched for LaLiga Opener as Barcelona Transfer Standoff Drags On

Atletico Madrid will start their LaLiga campaign without striker Julian Alvarez, coach Diego Simeone confirmed Tuesday, as the Argentine’s push for a move away from the club continues to create friction heading into the new season.

Alvarez, 26, joined Atletico for €75 million from Manchester City in 2024 and has since made no secret of his desire to leave. He went public at the World Cup, admitting he had spoken to the club about a potential transfer to “fulfil my dream”, with Barcelona heavily linked in Spanish media.

Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin responded with a firm stance, stating the club would not entertain offers even at €200 million for a player they intend to keep.

“Miguel Angel is the club’s owner. Nothing is more definitive than the club’s owner, it’s crystal clear. It’s like when a judge hands down a ruling: ‘Dismissed,'” Simeone told reporters ahead of Wednesday’s match against Malaga.

“What he said is crystal clear. From a sports perspective, we want to look out for the person, the player, so he can continue to uphold his reputation. We don’t see him playing in this game. I hope that over the next four days, he’ll be closer to where we want him to be.”

Alvarez has scored 49 goals across 106 appearances for Atletico. Simeone is hopeful the forward could feature in the club’s home fixture against Villarreal on Sunday.

“I still feel the same way I did the other day in Korea. I handle the sporting side of things. We talked as we always do and I understand that, from a sporting standpoint, he still needs to step it up a bit to be in top form for Sunday. He needs more practice. He’s the best player we have and we’re going to try to build a team around him, keeping his level in mind,”

The situation leaves Atletico managing a delicate balance between preserving squad harmony and resisting one of the most public transfer demands of the summer window. Stay with TipsGG for continued coverage of this developing story and Atletico’s LaLiga campaign.