According to the Spanish media outlet Diario Sport, Julian Alvarez's situation at Atletico Madrid is nearing its end, and leaving the team seems to be his only option in the short term.
Julian Álvarez's situation at Atlético Madrid has reached a point of no return. The events at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday, coupled with the Argentine's absence from training, have forced the club to find a solution quickly, and in the short term, a departure seems the only option. Atlético fans are fed up with the saga and see no possibility of reconciliation in the near future. One goal, or even ten, wouldn't be enough. Moreover, around the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium and at the team's training ground, Cero del Espinó, the mere mention of the Argentine's name sends shivers down people's spines.
"The boos were comparable to the announcement of Vinicius's name being broadcast live."
“The booing a few days ago was like the stadium announcer was saying Vinicius’s name. It was outrageous. I’ve never seen my own player booed like that in my life,” said an Atlético Madrid member with a high enough membership number to be familiar with Griezmann and other players who had to win back forgiveness at the Calderón. He said he didn’t participate in the booing but acknowledged it was a common occurrence. However, no one considered the Argentine to be on the same level as the Frenchman. In their view, the two were in completely different situations and had contrasting personalities.
“Although he tricked us back then, he proved himself to be more of an Atlético Madrid fan than anyone else,” said an Atlético Madrid supporters’ association in Hortaleza, north of Madrid, which has been around for over half a century. Atlético Madrid fans rejected the notion that “scoring goals alone can earn forgiveness.” “He was forgiven not because of his goals, but because he rediscovered his Atlético Madrid identity,” said another fan group that had grown tired of the player. Regarding Barcelona, they only stated that Barcelona “deceived” Julian, promising him a transfer but failing to reach an agreement with Atlético Madrid.
“This is so frustrating. If it can be resolved, please resolve it quickly,” sighed a fan who accompanied his son to the Cerro del Espino training ground to get an autograph. However, they wanted autographs from any player except Julian Álvarez. Julian, once a top seller in the club's official shop, is now the least popular choice. Fans believe the only believable move Julian could make is “his decision to fire his agent, Fernando Hidalgo. Only then will people start to believe that someone has indeed instilled in him ideas that are inconsistent with reality.”
That was so embarrassing.
Atletico Madrid fans have lost faith in the player. Even now, they still feel that Julian is far from being the kind of core player Atletico signed in August 2024 for a fixed transfer fee of €75 million plus €20 million in add-ons. They believe the Argentine's arrival was sensational mainly because the deal itself was unexpected, but they also remember his time as a substitute at Manchester City. At the same time, Atletico fans also feel they firmly supported Julian during his nearly four-month La Liga goal drought.
That's why they don't believe in the idea that scoring goals can redeem someone and pave the way for forgiveness. They don't believe the Argentine has a genuine sense of belonging to Atletico Madrid, nor do they believe he can immediately regain his competitive form. On the other side of the Atlantic, Julian Alvarez's situation has become a hot topic in sports commentary, with widely divided opinions. An ESPN producer told the newspaper: "Some people are on Julian's side, like Polo Vinicolo; others are on the club and Simeone's side. This kid can't do that. I think it's too shameful, especially since he knew he would be filmed, all the cameras were on him."
He was referring to events during the Club World Cup. At that time, Julian Alvarez stated into the microphone of that channel, "The best outcome for everyone is a transfer; I want to realize my dream." For Atletico Madrid fans, this public statement buried the player. In their eyes, he pushed himself into a tunnel of no return. Or more accurately, leaving became the only exit on that path. These words were spoken after Argentina's match against Austria, and they provoked a strong reaction from the Atletico Madrid International Supporters Association.
"Julian is just a spoiled brat."
"Julian has proven himself to be a spoiled brat, his thinking ability is worse than a paving stone. In terms of betrayal, he's on par with Courtois and Hugo Sánchez. He deserves to be treated the way he deserves it: either pay his release clause or sit in the stands. Hopefully, Apollo will make him realize his place, otherwise we'll feel double betrayed," criticized the main independent platform representing Atlético Madrid fans. Previously, this organization had also taken legal action regarding the Argentine's second touch in a Champions League penalty.
A key piece of information in this statement is the mention of Apollo. This American fund has taken a majority stake in the club this year. With this financial backing, Atletico Madrid hopes to take another step forward. Therefore, those close to Atletico Madrid interpret the club's firm stance against selling Julian Álvarez as a display of strength and a declaration of the new status the club aspires to. Thus, "dignity" has become a recurring reason used by Atletico Madrid against Barcelona. As stated in a recent official statement, the club accused Barcelona of not "adhering to the ethical and professional requirements of the transfer market." This is also a phrase repeatedly mentioned by some Atletico Madrid members and supporters interviewed: "This is not about money, it's about dignity." They also made a demand of Julian Álvarez: "Saying your dream is to play for Barcelona, even if you didn't explicitly say the team's name, has already deeply hurt the fans. Now you either fulfill your contract and play like a professional player, or go to Arsenal." These are the only two options in their eyes. As for forgiveness, at least for now, it's not even on the agenda of these fans who have already blacklisted the Argentine.
