Julian Alvarez reports for Atletico Madrid pre-season amid transfer talk
Synopsis
Julian Alvarez showed up for Atletico Madrid's pre-season medicals despite a summer of exit talk and open interest from Barcelona — but his future remains unresolved. On the same day, Atletico confirmed South Korea's Lee Kang-in from PSG for €40 million, rounding out three summer signings as Diego Simeone's squad takes shape.
Key Takeaways
Julian Alvarez , 26 , reported for pre-season medical tests at Atletico Madrid on Monday , ending speculation of a no-show.
FC Barcelona had openly pursued Alvarez, who had publicly suggested a sale would benefit both parties.
Alvarez is expected to rejoin the full squad on Wednesday after their South Korea pre-season tour.
Lee Kang-in , 25 , has signed with Atletico from PSG on a deal until June 2031 for a reported €40 million .
Lee made 124 appearances for PSG, scoring 16 goals and winning 2 Champions League and 3 Ligue 1 titles.
Atletico have now made three summer signings : Lee Kang-in, Alex Grimaldo , and Morten Hjulmand .
Julian Alvarez reported for pre-season medical tests at Atletico Madrid on Monday, ending speculation that the Argentina international might skip the start of pre-season to force a transfer exit. The 26-year-old arrived at the club's facilities alongside Spain internationals Marcos Llorente and Alex Baena and Argentine goalkeeper Juan Musso.
Transfer Speculation Continues
Alvarez has been at the centre of persistent transfer rumours throughout the summer, ever since he stated at an Argentina national team press conference that he believed a sale would be the best outcome for both himself and Atletico Madrid. FC Barcelona has openly pursued the striker in recent months, fuelling suggestions he might use a pre-season no-show as leverage to push through a move. That scenario did not materialise.
Alvarez is expected to join the full Atletico squad on Wednesday, after the team returns from a brief pre-season tour of South Korea.
Lee Kang-in Joins from PSG
Meanwhile, Atletico confirmed the signing of South Korean international midfielder Lee Kang-in from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The 25-year-old has signed a contract with Atletico through June 2031, returning to La Liga for a reported fee of around 40 million euros (approximately 45.5 million US dollars).
'A talented 25-year-old left-footed midfielder, he can play as an attacking midfielder or on either wing and is known for his vision, exquisite ball control, and passing and shooting ability,' the club's official website stated.
Lee made 124 appearances for PSG across all competitions, scoring 16 goals and winning two Champions League and three Ligue 1 titles before his departure.
Lee's Career Path
Lee's journey to the Spanish capital traces back to the Valencia academy, which he joined at the age of 10. He made his first-team debut in 2018 before moving to Mallorca in 2021, where he spent two seasons. He has earned 50 international caps for South Korea, featuring in both the 2022 and 2026 World Cups.
Atletico's Summer Business
With Lee's arrival confirmed, Atletico have now completed three signings this summer. The club previously brought in Spain left-back Alex Grimaldo and Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand. The Alvarez situation remains the most closely watched subplot of Atletico's pre-season, with his long-term future at the club still unresolved heading into the new campaign.
Point of View
And Barcelona's open pursuit only adds pressure on Atletico's negotiating position. Atletico, for their part, appear to be strengthening regardless — Lee Kang-in is a high-quality addition — but the Alvarez subplot could overshadow the entire pre-season if it drags into August. Diego Simeone has rarely been publicly undermined by a player in this way, and how he manages Alvarez's integration this week will signal whether a resolution is genuinely close or whether this becomes a protracted standoff.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Julian Alvarez's pre-season return attract attention?
Alvarez had publicly stated at an Argentina press conference that he believed a transfer away from Atletico Madrid would be best for both himself and the club, prompting speculation he might skip pre-season to force a move. He ultimately reported for medical tests on Monday as scheduled.
Is Julian Alvarez leaving Atletico Madrid?
His future remains unresolved. While FC Barcelona has openly expressed interest and Alvarez himself has suggested a sale makes sense, no transfer has been agreed. He is expected to train with the squad from Wednesday.
Who is Lee Kang-in and why has Atletico signed him?
Lee Kang-in is a 25-year-old South Korean attacking midfielder signed from Paris Saint-Germain on a deal running until June 2031 for a reported €40 million. Known for his vision, ball control, and versatility across attacking positions, he brings Champions League and Ligue 1 winning experience to Atletico.
What is Lee Kang-in's career record at PSG?
Lee made 124 appearances for PSG across all competitions, scoring 16 goals and winning two Champions League titles and three Ligue 1 titles before joining Atletico Madrid.
How many signings has Atletico Madrid made this summer?
Atletico have completed three signings: South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in from PSG, Spain left-back Alex Grimaldo, and Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand.
