Atletico de Madrid manager Diego Simeone has named Julian Alvarez among the substitutes for the LaLiga meeting with Athletic Club, bringing the Argentina international back into contention after he failed to secure a move away before the transfer window closed on 1 September.
Alvarez had declared his intention to leave Madrid this summer during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a decision that shocked Simeone and officials at Atletico de Madrid. The episode created significant uncertainty around the striker’s immediate future, but he remains with the club and is now available for selection in Bilbao.
Atletico de Madrid maintained throughout the transfer saga that they would not sell Alvarez to LaLiga rivals Barcelona. The dispute between the two clubs developed into a furious exchange of words, with Atletico claiming they were the sole victim of the situation.
Simeone is now seeking to draw a line under the controversy. By placing Alvarez on the bench at the Estadio San Mames, he has made him part of the matchday plans again, although the forward will have to wait for an opportunity if he is to feature against Athletic Club.
Atletico de Madrid are unbeaten so far this season, and Alvarez could be introduced late in the match as Simeone looks to manage his return to competitive action. His selection does not guarantee that he will play, but it represents a clear step back towards involvement after the failed attempt to leave the club.
The former Manchester City striker has already made one substitute appearance since expressing his desire to move on. He came on during Atletico de Madrid’s 2-2 home draw with Villarreal last month, but his return was met by boos from large sections of the club’s supporters.
That reaction underlined the challenge facing Alvarez as he attempts to rebuild his relationship with the Atletico de Madrid fanbase. His inclusion against Athletic Club gives him another chance to regain the trust of supporters, while Simeone must decide whether the circumstances are right to use him during the game.
For now, the Argentina international remains on the bench rather than in the starting line-up. His presence in the squad nevertheless signals that Atletico de Madrid are prepared to move forward with him after the transfer window closed without the departure he had wanted.
The immediate focus is therefore on the fixture at Athletic Club, where Alvarez could play a late role for an Atletico de Madrid side still unbeaten this season. The transfer dispute involving Barcelona has not erased the tension surrounding him, but Simeone’s decision places the striker back within the team’s matchday structure.