A real crisis: Álvarez sparks Atlético Madrid concern

For weeks the Madrid club have stood firm, refusing to negotiate over the player's departure. Miguel Ángel Gil Marín settled the matter himself when he confirmed that Julián would not leave even for 200 million euros. Those words sum up exactly where the club's management stand.

Atlético Madrid see the Argentine striker as an essential piece of their project. No other scenario is on the table but keeping him at the club.

Diego Simeone has publicly backed the stance, insisting the sporting management sit in complete agreement with the club on the issue. The coach cannot resolve a matter decided in the management offices, but he will be the one dealing with the consequences on the pitch if the player stays put.

According to the report, El Cholo told the striker in a private meeting that he can do little to change a situation that troubles him too.

What will Julián Álvarez do?

The fixture list will not wait for this story to conclude. Next Wednesday, Atlético Madrid begin their league campaign at the Metropolitano against Málaga, and Simeone must make a decision about a player who, despite everything that is happening, remains one of the most important elements of his line-up.

On 19 August, when the squad list for the opening league match drops, it will become clear whether Atlético will try with all their might to normalise the situation from day one. That's despite the accumulated tension and the insistence of the player and those around him on finding a way out of the club.

Just as striking will be the player's own choice. If called up, will he continue behaving normally as he does in training, or will he finally decide to rebel and refuse to play in front of the Atlético fans?

Should he take part, one thing is certain. His reception from the fans will not be with roses, given the great tension caused by his stance and his declared desire to leave for Barcelona.