Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has commented on the failed move that would have taken Atletico forward Julian Alvarez to Barcelona.
The proposed transfer did not go through, leaving the 26-year-old Argentina international at Atletico for the current season. Mourinho has now addressed the situation, although the report does not provide the details of his remarks.
Alvarez has made one appearance in La Liga so far this season. He did not register a goal contribution in that match, meaning his record remains without a goal or assist in the competition at this stage of the campaign.
His continued presence at Atletico follows the collapse of the attempted move to Barcelona. The transfer had attracted attention because it involved one of the leading forwards at an Madrid club and one of Spain’s most prominent sides, but no agreement was completed.
Mourinho’s comments therefore come against the backdrop of a transfer that was discussed but ultimately did not happen. Alvarez remains an Atletico player, while Barcelona’s interest did not result in him changing clubs.
The forward’s immediate focus will be on Atletico’s La Liga campaign. On 5 September, Atletico will travel to face Athletic Bilbao.
That fixture will give Alvarez another opportunity to add to his league appearance tally after appearing once so far this season. He has yet to make a decisive attacking contribution in the competition.
For Atletico, the match at Athletic Bilbao will be their next scheduled challenge in La Liga. For Alvarez, it represents the next chance to respond on the pitch after the uncertainty surrounding his proposed move to Barcelona.
Mourinho’s intervention adds another voice to the discussion around the transfer, but the central outcome remains unchanged: Alvarez did not join Barcelona and continues to belong to Atletico. His season has begun with one La Liga appearance and no recorded goal involvement, while the next date in the club’s calendar is the away meeting with Athletic Bilbao on 5 September.