Barça’S Big Day Delayed — Simeone Is Off

Julián Álvarez has reported back for duty at Atlético Madrid, but the anticipated meeting with Diego Simeone will have to wait. According to AS and Mundo Deportivo, the striker completed his medical and fitness tests at Madrid’s Vithas hospital on Monday rather than reporting to the club’s training ground in Majadahonda.

Simeone is not there either. The Atlético coach did not return with the squad following their trip to Seoul and is using the team’s two days off for a short break. The pair are now unlikely to meet before Wednesday, when Atlético resume group training. The club’s public position has not changed: Álvarez is not for sale and remains part of Simeone’s plans.

Monday was supposed to unlock the entire deal. Barça were waiting for the player to apply pressure, the media were waiting for the showdown, and Simeone went on holiday. Barcelona’s biggest transfer operation still depends on a meeting in Madrid that does not involve Barcelona — and now that meeting has been postponed too.