Barcelona target Julian Alvarez begins Atletico Madrid training plan amid ongoing transfer saga | OneFootball

Despite his future remaining one of the biggest stories of the summer, FC Barcelona priority target Julian Alvarez has resumed work under Atlético Madrid’s guidance, reports MARCA.

The Argentine striker has remained silent since publicly declaring during the World Cup that he wanted a transfer to fulfil his “dream” of leaving the club.

However, he has now re-established contact with Atletico to begin the individualised training program prepared for the club’s returning internationals.

Currently on holiday in Ibiza, Alvarez will spend the final nine days of his break following the fitness schedule designed by the club before reporting back to Atletico’s training ground on 10 August.

Barcelona move blocked for now

Barcelona’s pursuit of Alvarez has become increasingly complicated. Relations between the two clubs have deteriorated after Atletico accused Barça of attempting to persuade the player behind their backs.

The dispute escalated into an official complaint filed with both the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and FIFA, while Atleti CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin publicly insisted the club would not negotiate with Barcelona.

Working on Atletico Madrid’s training programme. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

As things stand, a move to the Camp Nou appears effectively blocked.

That leaves Alvarez facing two difficult possibilities: continue at Atletico despite tensions surrounding his attempted exit or Hope that a major offer arrives from a foreign club capable of changing the Rojiblancos’ position.

Although he previously played for Manchester City, returning to the Premier League was not his preferred option, with the striker believed to have wanted to remain in Spain.

Return to training expected

In recent weeks, there had even been speculation that Alvarez could refuse to report for preseason as a way of forcing a transfer.

Instead, his decision to begin following Atletico’s training program suggests he intends to return to the club as scheduled.

The striker has been working individually since 1 August, following the physical plan sent to him by Atlético’s coaching staff.

Regardless of the uncertainty surrounding his future, Atletico Madrid have no concerns about Alvarez’s attitude. Within the club, there is confidence that he will continue to behave with the same professionalism he has shown since arriving.

Barcelona move starting to seem unlikely. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

During the World Cup, Alvarez and Diego Simeone remained on good terms despite the growing transfer speculation.

Likewise, Gil Marin placed much of the blame for the situation on the player’s representatives rather than on Alvarez himself, even encouraging him to follow the example of Antoine Griezmann, who rebuilt his relationship with the club after a transfer saga.

Far from over

Although Atletico hope to move beyond the dispute and keep Julián as one of the team’s key players, uncertainty remains. The situation could change if a substantial offer arrives from abroad.

According to the report, Barcelona and Real Madrid are no longer considered realistic destinations, meaning any future transfer would likely depend on interest from another foreign club willing to meet Atletico’s demands.

Until then, only one thing is certain. While the transfer saga continues, Alvarez is already back working under Atletico Madrid’s program, even if, for now, he is doing so from afar.