Julián Álvarez Asks to Leave Atlético Madrid, Simeone Shuts the Door

Julián Álvarez returned to Madrid this week with the medal from the 2026 World Cup final still fresh, but what's brewing at Cerro del Espino has little to do with soccer and a lot to do with front offices. The forward from Córdoba told Diego Simeone, in a private meeting on Wednesday, that he wants to leave Atlético Madrid. The club, for now, has no intention of budging an inch.

The "Spider" will not face Olympique de Marseille in the final preseason friendly, which was already expected: he only rejoined group training this week, after his long run with Argentina at the World Cup held across the United States, Mexico and Canada. His absence from that match says nothing about his immediate future in LaLiga. In fact, he's expected to be available for the league opener Wednesday against Málaga.

What could carry real weight is what was discussed behind closed doors. According to reports, Álvarez told Simeone he wants a change of scenery amid concrete interest from clubs like Barcelona and Arsenal. Those close to the player still hold out hope that the club will soften its stance as the transfer window nears its close. The problem is that Atlético doesn't appear willing to give ground, especially not if the destination is Barcelona.

Club CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín himself was blunt on the matter:

The club would not accept offers for Julián Álvarez.Miguel Ángel Gil Marín

The institutional stance has contractual backing: Álvarez signed through 2030 and his release clause sits at 500 million euros, a figure that works more as a message than as any real market price.

A Gradual Return, and Other Absences

Julián's reincorporation was staggered, per the protocol for players who arrived late after the World Cup. He got to the Majadahonda facility on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. and trained alone with fitness coach Luis Piñedo. By Wednesday he'd taken the next step, working out with the rest of the squad.

Also left out of the squad against Marseille were Álex Baena and Marcos Llorente, who remain in the process of getting up to speed after joining group work on Tuesday following their vacations as world champions with Spain.

Sorloth Out for the League Opener

The other blow comes on the side of Alexander Sorloth, Álvarez's regular strike partner in Atlético's attack. The club confirmed in an official statement that the Norwegian suffered a muscle strain when he resumed training on August 2. For now he'll work in individual sessions, and "his progress will determine his return to the group," the club said.

No word was given on which muscle was affected or on a recovery timeline, though everything suggests Sorloth could be out for several weeks and, with it, miss the opening rounds of LaLiga.