Barça Wait for a Breakthrough. Simeone Waits for Álvarez

Diego Simeone has poured cold water on Barcelona’s hopes of signing Julián Álvarez. “The situation is very clear. The club has made a decision,” the Atlético Madrid coach said before the friendly against Manchester City. He added that the staff are delighted to have the striker and intend to keep helping him improve. Cadena SER

Álvarez is due to return to Atlético on August 10. Simeone pointed to the way the club previously handled Antoine Griezmann’s situation and said the only way forward is through football. Atlético are not preparing a farewell. They are preparing the player for another season.

Barcelona’s version of the story still features decisive meetings, final pushes and imminent developments. Atlético’s version is considerably shorter: Álvarez remains their player and his coach expects him back. Once again, Barça have moved a transfer much further through the headlines than across the negotiating table.