Álvarez declares war: "Don't count on me!"

August 11, 2026 — Julián Álvarez arrived in Madrid expecting a face-to-face meeting with Diego Simeone and club director Miguel Ángel Gil, but neither met him on his return from the tour.

Simeone had given the squad two days off after the trip and travelled to Ibiza, while Gil remained in Marbella. Álvarez and his agents had pushed for a direct conversation, but were told that only Álex Baena, Marcos Llorente and Álvarez himself would be required to undergo medical tests and that he was expected to behave professionally and remain fully committed to the club.

Private meeting and a message that changed everything

After being informed of the club's stance, Álvarez held a three-hour meeting with his agents. During that discussion he received a message from Miguel Ángel Gil apologising for an earlier promise that he would be sold over the summer and stating that everyone at the club expected him to join training as usual.

The message infuriated Álvarez. He responded with the words "Don't count on me!" and signalled the start of a new, escalated conflict with the club.

Although Simeone delayed a face-to-face encounter, the coach is not expected to postpone contact beyond Wednesday, when the next training session is scheduled. Álvarez wants to tell Simeone and club officials in person that he does not want to be part of Atlético, that he feels betrayed by people inside the club and that there is no turning back.

Negotiations are stuck: Álvarez's agents and Barcelona remain in talks but have been unable to make progress because Atlético has not replied to messages, and the club maintains a firm stance that he cannot leave. Barcelona's bid reportedly sits on the table and could rise to €120,000,000 if Atlético agrees to negotiate or if Álvarez intensifies pressure. The wider question for Atlético is whether it makes sense to keep a player who refuses to remain at the club and who could instead fetch well over €100,000,000 on the market.

Photo: press material from the event