[Sports Chosun Reporter Kim Ga-eul] Julian Alvarez, a player at the center of transfer rumors, is focusing on preparing for the new season. Spanish media outlet 'Marca' reported that Alvarez has resumed training and individual training sessions with the coach after returning to the team following his participation in the 2026 North America World Cup.

Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid ahead of the 2024-2025 season after leaving Manchester City (England). Alvarez scored 29 goals in 54 matches during the 2024-2025 season while wearing the Atletico Madrid uniform. In the 2025-2026 season, he recorded 20 goals and 10 assists in 52 matches. Alvarez has recently been at the center of transfer rumors. He is known to have attracted interest from FC Barcelona (Spain), Arsenal (England), and others. The club is making efforts to retain Alvarez. Earlier, head coach Diego Simeone stated, 'The situation is very clear. The club has made a decision. From a sporting perspective, we are very happy to have a player like Alvarez. We will definitely support him to continue growing, developing, and showing his best as he did over the past two years. This is a joyful matter. He had to leave the team and then return to prove his abilities and status on the field. From a sporting perspective, I think there is no other way than to do everything we can and support him as we have done over the past few years.'

Alvarez returned to team training after the 2026 North America World Cup break. 'Marca' added, 'Alvarez is scheduled to join training with other players in the afternoon. He is expected to participate without any issues as planned by the club’s coaching staff. Alvarez’s return process is part of a larger plan where the coaching staff individually adjusts the training load for players who participated in the World Cup and evaluates the intensity of the tournament. Some players underwent medical tests later.'

Meanwhile, the Atletico Madrid squad, which completed its Asian tour, announced its return to Madrid. 'New face' Lee Kang-in visited the Mahadahondilla training ground for the first time. Atletico Madrid will play a pre-season friendly against Marseille (France) on the 15th and face Malaga in the opening match of the 2026-2027 Spanish La Liga season on the 20th.