Atlético de Madrid Has Fallen Short Again. The defeat against Las Palmas has been the final blow in a season that can already be described as disappointing. 13 points behind Barça in La Liga and with no real chances in other competitions, the atmosphere at the Metropolitano is one of resignation.
One of the players most affected by this situation is Julián Álvarez. The Argentine arrived last summer with the label of a star and the momentum of being a world champion. But the club's sporting reality has been far from what was promised.
Julián wanted to fight for titles, grow as an offensive reference, and take a leap in his career. Today, that initial momentum has turned into a mix of disappointment and doubts.
A Project That Doesn't Take Off
Since his arrival, the forward has been professional and committed. He has scored important goals, led the team in difficult moments, and never gave up. But he feels it's not enough.
The lack of ambition shown by the club at certain points in the season has left a mark. The team hasn't been consistent, hasn't reacted when it should have, and has shown evident structural deficiencies.
Julián is not alone in this feeling. Several key players share this diagnosis, although he is one of those who is internalizing it the most.
Atlético's tactical structure hasn't helped him shine consistently either. The role Simeone has assigned him, more fixed and less free, doesn't fully suit his style. Julián needs to move, receive between lines, attack spaces... not just wait for balls.
Despite his quality, he hasn't had offensive support at his level. He has lacked connection with the wingers, partnerships in attack, and, above all, continuity in the line-ups.
All this has led him to question if he is in the right place to make the leap his career needs.
For Now, No Firm Decision
Julián is not considering leaving immediately. He landed in Madrid less than a year ago, and his initial intention was to stay long-term. But if the club doesn't take a step forward, he won't rule out changing scenery in 2026.
The player's entourage has already started receiving signals. There is interest: in Germany, Italy, and France, they have been following him for some time. But the player himself doesn't want to rush.
He will wait to see how Atlético moves this summer. But there is no longer the same confidence as a few months ago.
The sporting situation has further strained Diego Simeone's figure. The Argentine coach still has credit for his past, but he knows he needs to rebuild the project as soon as possible. And without figures like Julián, that process will be even more complicated.
The club will have to convince him with actions, not promises. High-level reinforcements, clear planning, and ambitious goals will be the only way to retain him. Otherwise, the wear will be irreversible.
In the locker room, there is a certain disenchantment. And the leaders no longer hide their concern.
An Option That Appeals to Julián
Amid this context, Julián Álvarez has started to consider real alternatives for his future, and according to close sources, he would look very favorably on a proposal from FC Barcelona. The young, ambitious project with Flick at the helm attracts him much more than other options.
He believes his style would fit perfectly in a team that plays offensively, with constant movement and prominence for the forwards. Additionally, he sees Barça as an ideal stage to feel important in Europe again.
If Atlético doesn't react soon, the Argentine could change colors. And this time, his destination could be much closer than the Metropolitano imagines.