FC Barcelona would like to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. However, the Madrid club does not want to let their star striker go. And their president, Enrique Cerezo, is now making that clear in no uncertain terms.
Julian Alvarez would like to leave Atlético Madrid—he made that public several weeks ago. FC Barcelona would like to sign the 26-year-old, which has also been known for some time. Barça President Joan Laporta announced in early July that the only thing standing in the way of a transfer was that Atlético had not yet found a replacement for Alvarez. But Atlético President Enrique Cerezo apparently sees things quite differently. He made it clear during a press conference: “Laporta already knows where Julian Alvarez will play. He is an Atlético Madrid player.”
Cerezo believes the fans will forgive Alvarez
With this statement, he likely wanted to put an end once and for all to the rumors surrounding his Argentine superstar, who has a good chance of starting in Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain. However, it’s still widely known that Alvarez himself would like to leave the club. Cerezo doesn’t see this as a major problem: “Will the fans forgive Julian Alvarez for his comments? We all make mistakes in life.”
The president of the capital city club also commented on Atlético coach Diego Simeone (nickname: Cholo), whose more than 15-year tenure has repeatedly been the subject of speculation regarding his departure. He does not expect the long-time Argentine coach to leave anytime soon: “Cholo’s contract is open-ended.”
As optimistic as Cerezo may seem, this probably won’t be the last time there’s speculation about Alvarez and Simeone. Above all, the transfer saga surrounding the striker seems far from over. FC Barcelona has put out feelers and is not willing to simply accept a setback. Alvarez himself will have very little time to deal with this issue as he prepares for the World Cup final. On Sunday, he could celebrate the second World Cup title of his still-young career.