“We understand that he’s not in the right condition to play”

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has delivered his verdict on the status of Barcelona target Julian Alvarez ahead of their LaLiga opener. The Spanish outfit are set to take on Malaga in their first game of the 2026-27 season on Wednesday evening.

Simeone spoke to reporters ahead of the game, and the name of Julian Alvarez came up as his has been a major saga all summer. The Argentine tactician ruled the striker out of the game against the newly-promoted side, pointing out that he is not in the right condition to feature in the game.

“If the club owner has spoken so categorically, then there’s nothing more to say”.

“It’s like when you go to court, that’s it, there’s nothing more to it. We’re looking after both the person and the player, and we understand that he is not in the right condition to play in this match”, he said.

Julian Alvarez has had interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid this summer, and issued a public plea to Atletico Madrid during the FIFA World Cup, asking for a transfer. Los Colchoneros have refused to let him join their rivals unless his €500 million release clause is met, despite receiving offers worth between €100-150 million.

Barcelona are without a recognised senior striker in their squad and are waiting in the hopes of finding a way to sign the 26-year-old, but that is unlikely to happen. In the meantime, he will likely remain an Atletico Madrid player beyond this summer, despite his unwillingness to stay there.

Alvarez did not play in any of their pre-season games this summer, partly because of his country reaching the FIFA World Cup final. His case may be revisited in the January transfer window, and he could leave Madrid by then.

Former Atletico Madrid star lands in Barcelona to complete transfer

Former Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodri has arrived in Barcelona to complete his move from Manchester City. The 30-year-old was spotted at the airport after his arrival as he is set to join Hansi Flick’s squad for the 2026-27 season.

Manchester City and Barcelona were locked in lengthy negotiations for the transfer of the Spain international before an agreement was reached. The Spanish champions will pay an initial €60 million, with add-ons potentially taking the deal to around €76 million.

It has been decided that Rodri will have the number 16 shirt at the Spotify Camp Nou, continuing his tradition from his previous teams. Fermin Lopez, who previously had the number, will now take the number seven shirt vacated by Ferran Torres.

Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen