Atlético: Simeone recalls Julián Álvarez and sets him a challenge

After missing two of three league games, the Argentine returns to Atlético’s squad against Athletic Club

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Atlético: Simeone recalls Julián Álvarez and sets him a challenge

After a failed move to Barcelona, Julián Álvarez returns to Atlético’s squad as Diego Simeone publicly challenges him to respond on the pitch.

Julián Álvarez is ready to return to action. The 26-year-old stayed at Atlético Madrid despite wanting to join Barcelona and will be included in the squad travelling to face Athletic Club on Saturday. The Argentina international had been named in only one of Diego Simeone’s first three La Liga squads. After a turbulent few days, however, his coach says the forward is training normally again and showing the right attitude.

Some commentators went as far as claiming that Álvarez was suffering from depression, but neither a medical source nor Atlético has confirmed that assertion. Simeone instead framed the situation as an opportunity to start again. “I hope he has learned from it, that he is happy and does it by scoring goals,” the coach said, adding that Álvarez has been training “very well” and that he now expects the best version of his striker.

Mourinho still expects Álvarez to be important

Asked about the saga on Thursday, José Mourinho said Simeone remained the person best placed to manage the situation. The Real Madrid coach also argued that an unhappy player must refocus once the transfer window has closed. “I have the feeling that he will be an important player for his club until the end of the season,” Mourinho explained. That view matches Atlético’s plan to reintegrate the forward progressively.

Álvarez is under contract until June 2030 and cannot afford an extended spell on the sidelines. His return at San Mamés is therefore a first step towards winning back the Atlético supporters and regaining match rhythm. He may nevertheless begin on the bench, with Simeone considering retaining the side that defeated Sevilla in the previous round.

Barcelona keep a major transfer fund in reserve

The failed summer move has not closed the case permanently. According to Cadena SER, FC Barcelona have kept a substantial transfer fund available to revive their pursuit in a future window. The Catalan club were reportedly prepared to raise their bid to around €130 million, but Atlético refused to negotiate with their direct domestic rivals.

Barcelona could try again in January or wait until the summer of 2027. Until then, Álvarez must turn his frustration into performances and demonstrate full commitment. His medium-term future remains open, but his immediate task is in Madrid.