Atlético buy time as Julián Álvarez returns for tests after Barcelona bid rejected | OneFootball

Julián Álvarez reported back to Atlético Madrid on Monday 10 August for medical and fitness checks after his holidays, easing a potential flashpoint as the club stand firm after rejecting Barcelona’s 100 million euro bid. He had publicly requested a move during the World Cup.

According to La Colina De Nervion, he completed the scheduled tests at Hospital Universitario Vithas Madrid Arturo Soria alongside Álex Baena and Marcos Llorente. His return will be phased, and he did not work at Cerro del Espino as the day was set aside for physicals.

On 17 July, chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín said Atlético do not intend to sell Álvarez and would not accept 100 million euros, 150 million or 200 million, which also confirmed Barcelona had bid 100 million.

Álvarez signed a six-year deal on arrival from Manchester City in summer 2024, running to 30 June 2030. Atlético are under no timing pressure and their public stance has not shifted.

After Argentina’s match with Austria on 22 June, Álvarez said he had spoken to the club and felt a transfer would be best, wanting to fulfil his dream. He did not name Barcelona.

He has scored 29 goals in 2024-25 and 20 in 2025-26, 49 across his first two seasons. Diego Simeone had said the situation was clear, the club had decided, and they were happy to have him. The coach will resume group work on Wednesday as Álvarez continues his reintegration.

Monday changes little, but Atlético have bought time by avoiding a no-show while the window remains open.

Source: La Colina De Nervion

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