Julian Alvarez will not play in Atletico Madrids LaLiga opener, but coach Diego Simeone reaffirmed the clubs stance that he will not be joining Barcelona. Alvarez this summer made his desire to join the LaLiga champions public, revealing during the World Cup that he informed Atletico of his wish to fulfil his dream.However, Atletico have made it clear they are not willing to acquiesce to his request, with CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin stating the club would reject offers as high as 200million (�171m) for the Argentina forward.And, because of the strength of Gils stance, Simeone believes the matter is now closed.Miguel Angel is the clubs owner, Simeone said ahead of Wednesdays game with newly promoted Malaga. Nothing is more definitive than the clubs owner, its crystal clear. Its like when a judge hands down a ruling: Dismissed.What he said is crystal clear. From a sports perspective, we want to look out for the person, the player, so he can continue to uphold his reputation.We dont see him playing in this game. I hope that over the next four days, hell be closer to where we want him to be.While Alvarez is set to miss the start of the new league campaign, Simeone is hopeful he will be available to face Villarreal on Sunday.I still feel the same way I did the other day in Korea [during Atleticos pre-season tour]. I handle the sporting side of things, Simeone added.We talked as we always do and I understand that, from a sporting standpoint, he still needs to step it up a bit to be in top form for Sunday.He needs more practice. Hes the best player we have and were going to try to build a team around him, keeping his level in mind.Alvarez has scored 49 goals and provided 17 assists since joining from Manchester City in 2024. Topics Atletico Madrid FC Barcelona Julian Alvarez LaLiga Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Rodri arrives in Barcelona to complete dream move Nicholas McGee 17th August, 2026 Barcelona are only signing Rodri to prevent Real Madrid getting stronger Valdano Jon Fisher 17th August, 2026 Maresca claims all teams need Rodri: We are going to do something Ben Miller 16th August, 2026 Schalke 0-3 Madrid: Report, result, goals from pre season friendly Ben Miller 17th August, 2026 Basel 2-5 Barcelona: Anthony Gordon helps Barca win friendly Ben Miller 16th August, 2026 Schalke vs Madrid: Confirmed teams, full line ups for pre season friendly Jon Fisher 16th August, 2026
