Alvarez backs down as Atletico stand firm

Julian Alvarez looks increasingly set to stay at Atletico Madrid this summer despite Barcelona’s sustained desire to bring him to Camp Nou.

The Argentina international has returned to Atletico’s pre-season training this week and, according to Cadena Ser, admitted to his team-mates he “made a mistake” in how he handled interest from Barcelona.

Alvarez went public with his desire to leave Atletico during the build-up to the World Cup 2026, offering Barcelona hope he could be signed from Diego Simeone’s side. Barcelona have made an offer but Atletico have responded angrily and made it clear they have no interest in selling.

The report adds that Alvarez has also told his team-mates “his commitment to the shirt is total and that, for however long he has left at Atlético de Madrid, whether it’s a year, three, or two days… the club comes before everything else.”

It is claimed Alvarez now sees his future “more with Atlético de Madrid than anywhere else.” Speculation that Barcelona were hoping Alvarez could push for an exit now looks unlikely to materialise.

Alvarez has been left out of Atletico’s squad to face Marseille in a friendly later today. The move was expected as he has only just returned to the club and will stay in Madrid to continue training.

Suarez emerges as Plan B with Flick’s OK

With little progress on Alvarez throughout the transfer window and the forward now back in pre-season training, Barcelona are exploring alternatives.

Sporting striker Luis Suarez has reportedly emerged as a new alternative if Barcelona fail to land the Atletico star this summer. Hansi Flick has said yes to the deal.

Fabrizio Romano has an update on the situation and claims Suarez is an option if the Alvarez deal does not happen. Gerard Romero also reports Barcelona’s interest in Suarez is “very real” and that Hansi Flick “has given the OK” to a possible deal.

Barcelona haven’t given up hope of signing Alvarez yet but time is rapidly running out. There’s been speculation that Alvarez will meet Atletico chief Gil Marin next week for talks which could finally resolve the saga one way or the other.

As for Suarez, the 28-year-old has bags of La Liga experience but is currently in Portugal with Sporting. He scored 28 goals in 32 appearances in the league last season but has been linked with an exit this summer.