Álvarez Is Already Training for Atlético. Barça Are Left with a Dream

Julián Álvarez was expected to push for a move to Barcelona. For now, the only thing he is pushing through is Atlético’s personalised training programme. According to reports in Spain, the Argentine started working on August 1 and is following the club’s instructions even while holidaying in Ibiza. He is due back in Madrid on August 10. Barça were supposed to land their dream striker. Instead, they have learned that he is calmly preparing for another season in red and white.

Atlético have not only closed the door on Barcelona but also filed complaints with the RFEF and FIFA. The Spanish federation has opened disciplinary proceedings, leaving Barça’s lawyers to prepare their response. The club that hoped to force Atlético into negotiations has mainly forced its own legal department into action. Álvarez is under contract until 2030 and has a €500 million release clause.

The player himself continues to act professionally, with no sign of the rebellion that had been predicted. He has scored 49 goals in 106 appearances for Atlético, meaning Simeone is still getting far more from Álvarez than Barcelona have got from their months-long pursuit. Unless a huge offer arrives from abroad, the biggest transfer saga of the summer may end with the striker returning to the club he never actually left.