Cholo calls Julián vs Villarreal as exit saga heats up
Diego Simeone — known as Cholo — has named Julián Alvarez in Atlético Madrid's squad for Sunday's LaLiga clash with Villarreal at the Metropolitano. The Argentine striker is set for minutes from the bench, while Mexican midfielder Obed Vargas was left out amid transfer speculation.
Key Takeaways
- Cholo confirmed Alvarez in the matchday squad after previewing the call-up earlier Saturday.
- Obed Vargas and Thomas Lemar were omitted again as both await possible summer exits.
- Alvarez's agent posted a pointed reply after CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín's remarks.
- Reports say the striker still wants a move to Barcelona before the window closes.
- Cristian Romero is not ready; Alexander Sørloth misses a second straight LaLiga game.
Why did Cholo include Julián against Villarreal?
As ESPN Deportes reported, Cholo kept his word from Saturday morning and listed Alvarez for the Sunday fixture. It will be the forward's first Metropolitano outing since his frustrated push to join Barcelona.
Alvarez is expected to start on the bench but is ready for competitive minutes. The squad also features four academy names: goalkeeper Salvador Esquivel, defenders Jorge Domínguez and Dani Martínez, and midfielder Jorge Castillo.
Who was left out of the Atlético squad?
Obed Vargas and Thomas Lemar were again discarded, matching their absence against Málaga midweek while transfer exits are explored. Sørloth is sidelined by a muscular injury for a second league match in a row.
Cuti Romero, signed from Tottenham a week into pre-season, still lacks enough training to feature. First-team regulars such as Jan Oblak, José María Giménez, Koke, and Ademola Lookman remain available.
How tense is the Julián Alvarez exit saga?
According to Diario AS, Atlético considers the case closed, but Alvarez and his circle do not. Sources close to the player say he told the club in March he wanted to leave and later presented a Real Madrid offer near €150 million after Gil Marín set that bar.
Gil Marín refused to meet Alvarez or his agent in recent days and on Thursday ruled out any sale. Agent Fernando Hidalgo then posted on Instagram: "Never ask a liar why he lied. To explain himself, he would have to lie again," after the CEO said Alvarez had not had the best advisers, as covered by MARCA.
Cholo publicly urged calm ahead of kickoff, saying he does not share insults or grievances and that Alvarez is training with respect for teammates. Still, AS notes visible distance between player and coach. Barcelona remains Alvarez's priority; Arsenal is framed as a possible emergency route if the Catalan move stalls.
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