Julian Álvarez’s Former Coach Fuels Barcelona Transfer Rumors Amid Discomfort at Atlético Madrid
Speculation surrounding Julián Álvarez’s potential move to Barcelona continues to intensify, with fresh comments from his former coach adding further momentum to the story. The Argentine forward’s agent had already hinted during the summer that Álvarez would be open to joining the Catalan giants — and now, his first manager has suggested the player is unhappy at Atlético Madrid under Diego Simeone.
In an interview with Super Deportivo Radio, Hugo Rafael Varas, who coached Álvarez early in his career, claimed the striker has not settled comfortably in Simeone’s system.
“I don’t see him comfortable at Atlético. He’s been playing too many games out of position and never where he should be,” Varas said. “I know he’s told his family that he’s focused on helping the team, but deep down, he wants to perform well and remain Argentina’s No. 9.”
Varas went on to explain that Atlético’s defensive playing style is restricting Álvarez’s natural attacking instincts.
“This Atlético side defends a lot and attacks little. Julián is being used more as a passer than a finisher,” he added. “He’s scoring from free kicks and long-range shots, but the team isn’t creating enough chances for him to be the No. 9 he was at River Plate.”
The former coach believes Álvarez could be tempted by a move to Spain’s biggest clubs, suggesting both Barcelona and Real Madrid would appeal to him.
“I’ve seen games where he’s defending inside the opponent’s box — I couldn’t believe it,” Varas said. “He gets along with Simeone, but his football is based on defending. When he was substituted the other day, he was angry — he’d missed a penalty, just returned from injury, and wanted to stay on. It was a mix of frustration.”
Varas also claimed that a move to Barcelona could already have happened if financial circumstances were different.
“Someone recently told me about the chance to go to Barcelona. The truth is, he’s not there because the club didn’t put up the money. He’s always been a Barcelona fan,” he revealed. “Though personally, I’d like to see him play for Real Madrid.”
With Robert Lewandowski nearing the twilight of his career, Barcelona are expected to prioritize signing a new striker next summer. Given Álvarez’s talent and growing dissatisfaction in Madrid, transfer speculation linking him with the Camp Nou is only likely to intensify as the season unfolds.
