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Diego Simeone is likely growing weary of fielding questions about Julián Alvarez, a player whose name has dominated press conferences throughout the summer and will continue to do so until the transfer window closes at the beginning of next month.
Simeone offered nothing new when journalists once again raised the topic of the Atlético Madrid forward ahead of the club's La Liga season opener against Málaga on Wednesday. Alvarez, who publicly expressed his wish to depart during the World Cup, remains unavailable for transfer.
Barcelona, widely considered to be the "dream" club Alvarez had in mind, look set to walk away empty-handed.
Atletico, Simeone Stance Unchanged
"My position remains the same as it was the other day in Korea," Simeone stated, emphasizing that nothing has changed regarding Alvarez's status at the club.
"I handle the sporting matters. We've been speaking as we normally do, and I feel he still needs a bit more time to reach peak condition for Sunday [against Villarreal]. He requires additional training sessions.
"He's our finest player. We're going to try to build the team around him, with his age taken into consideration."
Reports of a recent private meeting in which Alvarez reportedly "pushed" for a move suggest that Simeone's public comments mirror what he has been saying behind closed doors. During a conversation last Wednesday, the coach is said to have recognized the complexity of the situation while making clear to Alvarez that he is considered a "key player."
The club will ultimately determine his future should a suitable bid arrive. However, Barcelona have already seen a nine-figure offer rejected, and their ability to finance such a deal at this late point in the summer is increasingly in doubt.
Barcelona have yet to officially register new signings Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, while a costly deal for Rodri has also now been finalized.
Last summer, Marcus Rashford and Joan García weren't cleared to feature in La Liga until matchday itself. It's not simply a matter of covering the transfer fee—clubs must also ensure their spending aligns with La Liga's stringent financial fair play regulations.
Barcelona Desperate for a Striker
With Robert Lewandowski having departed and Ferran Torres recently completing a move to Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona are left without a recognized senior striker.
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There is speculation that Hansi Flick may try Lamine Yamal in a false nine role, though it seems more probable that Raphinha, Gordon, or Adeyemi will fill that position when the defending champions kick off their La Liga campaign against Elche on Sunday. Raphinha already performed that duty against Basel last weekend.
A sudden wave of rumors has emerged around renewed interest in Rashford, while Dušan Vlahović has also been taken off the table following his move to Beşiktaş last week.
Young forward Hamza Abdelkarim, registered with Barcelona B, has netted three goals across two preseason outings against Birmingham City and Basel.