Álvarez Remains at Atlético as His Camp Predicts Possible January U‑Turn
His representatives say Atlético could offer him to Barcelona in January, a development that would reshape the transfer market and put pressure on Barcelona’s limited Financial Fair Play room.
Overview
- The summer transfer window closed on Tuesday with Julián Álvarez still an Atlético Madrid player after intense bids from Barcelona and interest from Arsenal.
- Atlético publicly refused to negotiate with Barcelona all summer, with chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín saying Álvarez would “never, ever” be sold to the Catalan club.
- Álvarez pushed for a move, was jeered by some supporters and missed training at points, and now must be reintegrated into Diego Simeone’s squad.
- Álvarez’s representatives told El Chiringuito they expect Atlético could reverse course and offer him to Barcelona in January, and Barcelona is reported to have about €60 million of Financial Fair Play headroom.
- Atlético’s complaint to the RFEF has prompted disciplinary proceedings and Álvarez remains under contract until 2030, factors that will shape any winter negotiations and relations between the clubs.