Atletico Madrid have reportedly told Barcelona target Julian Alvarez they want him back at the club to begin his pre-season preparations on August 10th.
Alvarez has been at World Cup 2026 with Argentina and featured in Sunday’s final as the defending champions were beaten 1-0 by Spain.
The Argentina star will now enjoy some time off but has been told to be back at Atletico by August 10th, according to Marca.
Speculation over Alvarez’s future is now expected to ramp up again following the end of the World
Cup. Alvarez said during the tournament he wanted to leave and Barca have seen a bid rejected.
Atletico continue to insist that they won’t sell Alvarez this summer, while Barcelona president Joan Laporta has responded by insisting it’s never a good idea to keep hold of unhappy players.
The Catalans are expected to continue their efforts to sign Alvarez for the next week or so but may then be forced to look elsewhere if a transfer can not be agreed with Atletico.
