Julian Alvarez left out of Atletico Madrid’s season opener as Diego Simeone addresses transfer talk

Diego Simeone confirmed Julian Alvarez will not be part of Atletico Madrid’s squad for Wednesday’s LaLiga season opener against Malaga, citing the Argentine forward’s fitness as the reason for his absence.

“From a sporting standpoint, we look after the person, the player — we hope he gets into the condition we need so he can keep protecting the name he’s built, the player he is, and everything he’s given us. So we understand that he’s not in condition to be part of this game,” Simeone said in his pre-match press conference, adding that he hopes Alvarez can improve his condition over the next four days.

The decision comes amid swirling speculation over Alvarez’s future at the club, with reports linking the World Cup winner to a possible exit. Simeone addressed the situation directly, pointing to club ownership’s firm stance on the matter.

“Miguel Angel Gil Marin is the owner of the club and categorically spoke in the manner he did and there is nothing more to discuss,” the Argentine coach said, reaffirming that Atletico Madrid consider Alvarez’s €500 million release clause the only way out.

Simeone’s comments leave the door open for Alvarez’s return in the coming days, but for now his immediate future — both on the pitch and at the club — remains a talking point heading into the new season.

Simeone weighs in on Alvarez’s standing with supporters

Alvarez’s situation has stirred debate among Atletico Madrid’s fan base after the forward publicly declared during the 2026 World Cup that he wanted to leave the club.

Following Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria in June, Alvarez told reporters, “I spoke with people at the club, with those I had to speak with and the best thing for everyone is a transfer and I want to fulfil my dream,” making clear his desire to move on despite the club’s resistance to selling him.

That backdrop set up a pointed question for Simeone in Tuesday’s press conference: whether Alvarez owes the fans an apology over the transfer noise surrounding him.

“People will think what they have to think. I’m very respectful of everyone’s opinion, whether it’s the case of Diego Costa, Griezmann, or now Julian. I’m very respectful of what everyone might think,” the coach said, drawing a parallel to past situations involving other Atletico players.