Alvarez Returns To Training Amid Barcelona Interest

Julian Alvarez rejoined Atletico Madrid’s first-team squad on Sunday, having recovered from the illness that sidelined him for Saturday’s 3-1 La Liga victory over Sevilla. The Argentina international’s return to group training comes with just two days remaining before the summer transfer window closes at midnight Tuesday, as Barcelona continue to push for his signature.

The 2022 World Cup winner missed several sessions earlier in the week and was unavailable for the weekend fixture, but his reintegration does little to quell speculation over his future. Atletico have repeatedly declared the forward non-transferable, with director of football Mateu Alemany reinforcing that position after Saturday’s win.

“The club has been very clear and very firm,” Alemany told Movistar. “The plan is very clear. He had a few days when he wasn’t feeling well, he already trained by himself on Friday, and we hope he’ll reintegrate with us quickly and be available, I hope, for the next league match.”

Chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin stated on Thursday that Atletico would “not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances,” a stance fully backed by the club’s board. Spanish media have floated a possible alternative move to England, though that option reportedly does not appeal to Alvarez, who expressed a desire to leave the Spanish capital earlier this summer.

The 24-year-old’s relationship with Atletico supporters has been strained in recent weeks. He was jeered by his own fans when coming on as a substitute against Villarreal last weekend and notably walked straight down the tunnel alone after the final whistle, while his teammates applauded the travelling support.