Atletico de Madrid captain Koke has backed team-mate Julian Alvarez after the Argentina forward was linked throughout the summer with moves to Barcelona and Arsenal.
The transfer speculation did not result in a deal, despite Alvarez making his desire to leave publicly known. The striker was understood to want to continue his career at the Catalan club, but Atletico de Madrid refused to sell their star to a domestic league rival as a matter of principle.
Koke’s message “Leave Alvarez alone” represents a show of support for the forward as the transfer story continues to surround him. For Atletico, the issue has been complicated by the fact that one of the clubs linked with Alvarez was Barcelona, a direct competitor in the Spanish league.
The Argentine remained involved for Atletico in Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Liverpool. He provided an assist, but his contribution was not enough to prevent his side from losing 2-1.
That result ensured the attention around Alvarez was focused not only on his future but also on his role on the pitch. Even with uncertainty over his situation, the forward played a part in Atletico’s attacking effort against Liverpool.
The summer links with Barcelona and Arsenal created the possibility of a move away from Madrid, while Alvarez’s own public comments indicated that he wanted a change. However, Atletico’s position prevented the transfer from taking place.
The club’s decision was particularly significant because Barcelona were not simply an interested overseas side but a rival from the same domestic championship. Atletico therefore chose not to sell Alvarez to them, despite the player’s reported preference to join the Catalan club.
Alvarez remains an Atletico player, and his appearance against Liverpool underlined that he is still contributing to the team while the transfer speculation remains part of the wider discussion around him. His assist in the Champions League match was a positive individual moment, although Atletico ultimately suffered a narrow defeat.
Koke’s support comes in that context. As captain, he has publicly stood behind his team-mate after a summer in which Alvarez’s potential departure was repeatedly discussed. The forward’s wish to leave, the interest from Barcelona and Arsenal, and Atletico’s refusal to strengthen a league rival all formed part of the same unresolved transfer story.
For now, no move has taken place. Alvarez’s immediate involvement remains with Atletico de Madrid, where he featured against Liverpool and set up a goal despite the 2-1 loss. Meanwhile, Koke’s appeal is clear: the forward should be allowed to focus on football rather than remain at the centre of continued transfer attention.