According to Spanish outlet Sport, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has urged the club’s board to sell Julián Álvarez this summer, respecting the player’s desire to end his tenure at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Álvarez has been very vocal about his wish to leave Atletico Madrid to pursue his dream, which numerous sources confirm is a move to Barcelona.
However, Atletico Madrid’s management strongly opposes letting Álvarez join Barcelona specifically. They have informed the Catalan club that they will only part with the Argentine international if his €500 million release clause is met in full.
The latest report indicates that Simeone is fully aware of Álvarez’s reluctance to stay at Atletico. Consequently, he has advised the board to sell him, as the manager refuses to have an uncommitted player within his squad.
This development could mean that Atletico’s hierarchy will sanction a departure, but likely to a club outside of La Liga, given the substantial interest the forward is receiving from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.
For now, Álvarez’s potential move to Barcelona remains at a standstill. Nevertheless, the player is expected to put pressure on Atletico’s management following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup to allow him to “realize his dream.”
Sources close to Álvarez have indicated that he would not mind a move to Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain if a transfer to Barcelona proves completely impossible. This keeps all options on the table until the final moments of the summer transfer window.
