Julián Álvarez spoke this Monday, June 22, about his future and left open the possibility of leaving Atlético de Madrid. The Argentine forward assured, after Argentina’s match against Austria in the 2026 World Cup, that he has already held talks with the club and that he considers that a transfer would be the best solution for all parties.
The 26-year-old attacker arrived at Atlético from Manchester City in the summer of 2024 and publicly acknowledged that he has already addressed his situation with the red and white leadership. Although he avoided mentioning a possible destination, his statements reactivated speculation about the interest of several European clubs, including FC Barcelona.
“I don’t think it’s the time to talk about this, but I can’t hide or pretend to be the other person either. I try to be an honest person. I talked to the people at the club, the ones I had to talk to,” declared Álvarez at the end of the match against Austria, which they won 2-0 with goals from Lionel Messi.
Asked about the possibility of leaving if an attractive offer arises, the forward was direct: “I think the best thing for everyone is a transfer and I want to fulfill my dream.”
Atlético’s position
Atlético de Madrid maintains a firm position regarding the player’s future. The club has reiterated on different occasions that it is not contemplating his departure and that any negotiation should start from a figure in line with the termination clause set at 500 million euros.
So far no formal offer approaching that amount has been reported.
Álvarez’s statements represent a change from his previous interventions, in which he had avoided making a public statement about his continuity and had highlighted his commitment to the team.
A player followed by the big European clubs
Since his arrival at Atlético, Álvarez has played 106 official matches and has scored 49 goals, in addition to providing several assists. His performance has allowed him to establish himself as one of the team’s main offensive figures.
The interest from other European clubs is not recent. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Arsenal have been linked with the Argentine striker at different times since his arrival in Spanish football.
In the case of Barcelona, his name has appeared as a possible future alternative for the forward, while Arsenal have been linked to the player due to his ability to perform in different positions in the attacking front.
Open future
The world champion’s statements come at a time of transition for Atlético de Madrid, which is facing a process of sporting renewal. The club will have to define in the coming weeks how to manage a situation that now includes a public demonstration by the footballer himself.
For now, Álvarez remains focused on the 2026 World Cup with the Argentine team, where he seeks to maintain his prominence and contribute to the goal of defending the title won in Qatar 2022.
His future at club level, however, has become one of the topics that generates the most attention in the face of the next transfer market.