Julián Álvarez booed by Atlético fans over Barça wish

Julián Álvarez’s relationship with Atlético de Madrid supporters has deteriorated further after the Argentina international was loudly jeered at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The reaction followed his stated desire to join Barcelona, leaving his position at Atlético uncertain despite the club’s refusal to consider a move to the Catalan side.

Álvarez returned to Diego Simeone’s squad for the meeting with Villarreal after being left out of the opener against Málaga. The 26-year-old centre-forward began on the bench and was met by sustained hostility from the home support. His late return from holiday has also left him short of full physical preparation, although he is considered to be in better condition.

The episode adds to tensions between the striker and Simeone. Hostile chants have been heard around the club’s training ground, while banners calling for Álvarez to leave have also appeared. Atlético considers him unavailable for transfer and does not want to strengthen a direct rival, while Barcelona sees the 2022 World Cup winner as a priority option to replace Robert Lewandowski.

Álvarez joined Atlético from Manchester City for €75 million in the 2024-25 season and is valued at €120 million. Arsenal has also entered the picture, but his future remains unresolved with Spain’s summer transfer window due to close on September 1.