The 26-year-old has made it well known that he would like to leave Atletico Madrid and join LaLiga rivals Barcelona this summer.
Atletico’s powers that be have no intention of letting that happen, however, and have stated that only if a club matches his €500 million release clause will he be allowed to leave.
Despite the ongoing dispute between Alvarez and the club, Diego Simeone brought him on for the final 24 minutes as they drew 2-2 with Villarreal.
Alvarez was met with a chorus of boos from Atletico’s fans as he entered the pitch, and that feeling of discontent appears to be mutual.
Giuliano Simeone managed to score an 85th minute equaliser for ten-men Atletico, with the players heading over to thank the support after their second home game of the 2026-27 season.
There was one glaring absence, however. Instead of joining his teammates, Alvarez decided to head straight down the tunnel.