Diego Simeone benches Julian Alvarez for Atletico Madrid opener as transfer bids are rejected

Squad omission for the league opener

Diego Simeone confirmed on Tuesday that Julian Alvarez will not participate in Atletico Madrid's opening LaLiga match against Malaga at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The 26-year-old forward was left out of the matchday squad to undergo further physical conditioning following a shortened pre-season schedule, which also included sitting out a 2-1 friendly victory over Olympique de Marseille. Simeone explained that Alvarez requires additional training sessions after the club's pre-season tour in South Korea before he is ready for competitive action, pointing toward Sunday's home match against Villarreal as a targeted return date.

We don't see him playing in this game. I hope that over the next four days, he'll be closer to where we want him to be.

Transfer standoff and rejected bids

Alvarez moved to Atletico Madrid from Manchester City in 2024 for 75 million euros (86.8 million dollars) and has scored 49 goals in 106 appearances for the club. Transfer interest developed during the World Cup, where the forward acknowledged after Argentina's group stage victory over Austria that he had asked club officials for a move to pursue his ambitions. Barcelona pursued the striker to replace Robert Lewandowski, who departed for Chicago in MLS, and Ferran Torres, who completed a move to Paris Saint-Germain under Luis Enrique. Barcelona submitted an initial 100 million euro proposal, following a rejected 150 million euro bid made by Real Madrid in June. Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin countered that the club would reject any offer, even those reaching 200 million euros, asserting that the club's refusal was permanent.

Club hierarchy rules out departure

Simeone endorsed the firm position taken by Atletico ownership, stating that Gil Marin's refusal to negotiate provides complete finality on the transfer question. The manager noted that handling high-profile transfer speculation is familiar territory for the coaching staff, referencing previous squad situations involving Antoine Griezmann and Diego Costa while emphasizing mutual respect between the parties. Simeone reiterated that his responsibility remains focused entirely on player fitness, sporting preparation, and protecting the forward's standing at the club.

Miguel Angel is the club's owner. Nothing is more definitive than the club's owner, it's crystal clear. It's like when a judge hands down a ruling: 'Dismissed.'

Squad changes and tactical plans

Atletico begins the domestic campaign following the arrival of five new signings: defenders Cuti Romero and Alejandro Grimaldo, midfielders Morten Hjulmand and Kang-in Lee, and winger Arnau Ortiz. With Atletico refusing to negotiate and Arsenal also credited with interest ahead of their Premier League title defence, Barcelona has begun considering secondary targets, including 33-year-old Villarreal forward Ayoze Perez. Despite the transfer interest from other clubs, Simeone maintained that Alvarez remains the central piece of Atletico's attacking strategy for the season once his physical readiness is restored.

He needs more practice. He's the best player we have and we're going to try to build a team around him, keeping his level in mind.