Atletico de Madrid manager Diego Simeone insisted on Saturday that striker Julian Alvarez is not for sale following persistent transfer interest from Barcelona. Simeone said the situation surrounding the Argentine forward is very clear after the club decided not to sell him.
The manager spoke during a press conference on the eve of Atletico's third summer friendly match against Manchester City in Seoul. His comments came two days before Alvarez is scheduled to return to work with the squad on Monday, according to news agency Efe.
Simeone stated that chief executive officer Miguel Angel Gil Marin explained the decision of the entity very well. He added that from a sporting perspective, the coaching staff is very happy to have a footballer like Alvarez in the squad.
The manager explained that Atletico will focus on helping Alvarez sportingly so he can continue growing, improving, and delivering his best performance. Simeone emphasized that the forward has provided a lot to the red-and-white team over the last two years.
Julian Alvarez Transfer Offers and Contract Status
Barcelona has pursued Alvarez persistently for several months. However, Atletico de Madrid has insisted both publicly and privately that the player is not for sale and that the club has no intention of transferring him.
Alvarez remains under a contract with Atletico de Madrid that runs through June 30, 2030. The agreement includes a buyout clause set at 500 million euros.
The striker previously requested to be transferred to fulfill a dream, as explained by the player himself during the 2026 World Cup in June. Despite that request, Atletico de Madrid has maintained a firm response through Gil Marin.
Gil Marin addressed comments from Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who had stated that Barcelona's transfer offer to Atletico was not infinite. On July 17, Gil Marin warned that Atletico's response is infinite and that the club does not want to sell Alvarez.
The chief executive officer confirmed that Atletico rejected Barcelona's 100 million euro offer. He added that Atletico will not accept future bids of 150 million euros or 200 million euros.
Gil Marin stated to official club media that he informed the player, his agent, and the Barcelona president of Atletico's position. He expressed confidence that Atletico is the right place in the world for Alvarez and that Alvarez is the perfect center forward for Atletico.
RFEF Disciplinary Investigation into Barcelona
Atletico de Madrid filed a formal complaint with attached documentation to the Royal Spanish Football Federation on June 30. The submission alleged that Barcelona made unauthorized contacts with Alvarez while he was under contract.
Following the complaint, the Disciplinary Committee of the Spanish federation opened an extraordinary disciplinary proceeding against Barcelona. The investigation focuses on the alleged approaches to the forward.
Alvarez is protected under FIFA regulations because he is within a three-year protected period. This status applies based on his age group of 23 to 28 and the five-year contract he signed with Atletico in the summer of 2024.
Kang In Lee and Summer Transfer Signings
Beyond the situation with Alvarez, Simeone discussed the arrival of winger Kang in Lee, who signed from Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports from the club. Simeone said Lee's arrival will help the team and praised his enthusiasm to contribute.
The manager noted that Lee is young, which allows the coaching staff to help him grow, evolve, and become an even better player. He added that Lee made a very nice gesture by hosting a dinner for the entire squad and staff in Seoul.
Simeone described Lee as a noble, humble, and hardworking person who fits the exact profile Atletico de Madrid needs. The dinner allowed the team and coaching staff to get to know the winger better during their tour in South Korea.
Lee represents one of three new signings completed by Atletico de Madrid for the upcoming season. The club also signed defender Alejandro Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen and midfielder Morten Hjulmand from Sporting de Portugal.
Simeone stated that all three incorporations address specific needs within the squad. He explained that each player brings distinct characteristics that will help the team grow as the coaching staff works to develop them.
Regarding Grimaldo, Simeone noted that even though the defender is older, there is always room to grow. Simeone said Grimaldo expressed great excitement and enthusiasm when they spoke, while Hjulmand is demonstrating the same high level of commitment in training.
Simeone concluded by stating that his role as manager is to improve the players in the squad and ensure Atletico de Madrid continues to compete in every tournament each year.
