Atletico Madrid: Simeone Refuses to Let Go of Alvarez as Uncertainty Lingers

Diego Simeone has excluded Argentine forward Julian Alvarez from the squad for the upcoming friendly against Olympique Marseille. The striker's wish to join Barcelona and his limited training with the team are fueling speculation about his future at Atletico. The situation could come to a head during the upcoming La Liga matches.

Diego Simeone has left Argentine forward Julian Alvarez out of the squad for the upcoming friendly against Olympique Marseille. The striker has expressed his desire to join Barcelona and has only completed five days of training with the team during pre-season. According to the Catalan newspaper 'Sport', his absence from the squad is no surprise. During a meeting on Wednesday, Alvarez informed Simeone that he no longer feels the same enthusiasm to stay at Atletico.

Alvarez Insists on Leaving and Requests an Urgent Meeting

The striker has insisted on joining Barcelona, according to the report. His camp has requested an urgent meeting with Atletico's CEO, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, to discuss his future. Gil Marin has been on holiday in the Spanish capital, which has delayed the anticipated meeting. Speculation about Alvarez's future with the club is growing louder.

Simeone Wants to Keep His Star

Almost the entire squad has been included, with the injured Alexander Sorloth the exception. The international players who joined preparations this week were also left out: Alex Baena, Marcos Llorente, and goalkeeper Musso. All four were expected to miss the trip to Marseille. However, the presence of Alvarez gave extra weight to the squad, as all signs point to a man who does not want to wear the Atletico shirt again.

Simeone is standing firm. He views his Argentine striker as one of the pillars of his attacking project. However, the player's final decision may prove more complicated, given the emotional toll the situation is taking on him.

The Malaga Match Could Reveal His Final Position

Attention now turns to next week. Atletico opens their La Liga campaign at home to Malaga on 19 August. In theory, the international players should slot back into Simeone's plans for that match once they have had enough time to prepare, which makes Alvarez's involvement a major talking point.

Their second league fixture, also at home, pits them against Villarreal. There, the fans' reaction to the Argentine striker could shape how the crisis unfolds.