Julian Alvarez's Week at Atletico Madrid: From Turmoil to Squad Inclusion

Julian Alvarez’s turbulent week at Atletico Madrid has ended with a place in Diego Simeone’s squad – and a seat on the bench – for the La Liga clash with Villarreal.

The Argentina forward, at the heart of a tense transfer saga and keen on forcing a move away from the club, has been included in the matchday group despite the noise around his future and a growing backlash from sections of the Atletico support.

From training ground anger to squad recall

Alvarez trained with Atletico ahead of the Villarreal game, his first visible step back into the fold after missing the midweek win over Malaga. That absence only fuelled speculation, coming at the same time as his push to leave for Barcelona and with Arsenal also circling.

Supporters made their feelings brutally clear. Around the Majadahonda training complex, signs appeared reading “JULIAN FUERA” – “JULIAN OUT” – with his No. 19 symbolically crossed out. For a player once viewed as a cornerstone of the club’s future, it was a stark turn.

Yet Simeone has moved to shield him. Speaking before the Villarreal match, the Atletico boss confirmed Alvarez would be involved.

“Julian Alvarez will be in the squad tomorrow,” Simeone said. “For me, Julian is an extremely important player for us to achieve our objectives. As long as he’s with the team, I’m going to look after him.”

Atletico start without a recognised centre-forward, leaving Alvarez among the substitutes despite the ongoing uncertainty over his long-term status.

Simeone stands firm amid fan fury

The coach did not hide his disagreement with the more hostile elements of the fan reaction.

“I respect our fans. I always have, but I don’t agree with insults or abuse,” he said. “Every word is being scrutinised by people waiting to create conflict and uncertainty.

“There is no uncertainty. Miguel was very clear. He is our player and we need him.”

Alvarez’s desire is clear: a move to Barcelona, which Atletico have so far resisted. The forward has also been in contact with Mikel Arteta over a possible switch to Arsenal, but that option does not carry the same appeal for him as the Camp Nou.

Earlier in the week, Simeone had put Alvarez’s omission from the Malaga game down to fitness after an extended break following the World Cup.

“We don’t believe Julián Alvarez is in the right condition to play or take part for tomorrow’s game,” he said then. “Hopefully, over these next four days, he’ll make further progress and we’ll be closer to where we want him to be.”

Four days on, Alvarez is back in the squad and back under the spotlight.

Atletico plan for the future

Even while insisting Alvarez is not for sale, Atletico are already being linked with reinforcements in attack. The club have been named among the frontrunners to sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea, with reports claiming the Senegal international has “said yes” to a move.

For now, though, all eyes are on Villarreal. Alvarez sits on the bench, his name still on the teamsheet, his number still on the shirt – and a fanbase split over whether that should remain the case by the time the window closes.