Julián Álvarez stays, Ceballos heads to Betis and Barcelona registers Gabriel Jesus

Julián Álvarez will stay at Atlético Madrid after a summer of tension surrounding a possible move to Barcelona ended without a transfer.

The 26-year-old Argentine trained at Atlético’s Majadahonda sports centre on the final day of the window, having accepted only recently that a move to Barcelona was impossible. His contract runs until June 30, 2030, and a departure route through Arsenal had already been rejected by the player.

Barcelona had proposed 100 million euros, payable in six instalments, at the end of May. Atlético immediately shut down the possibility of selling him to its Spanish rival. His release clause stands at 500 million euros, making the transfer unattainable.

Álvarez’s future will not change before January. Whether the decision proves temporary or permanent will depend on the coming registration periods, Atlético’s season and the relationship between the forward and a disappointed fan base. Atlético next visits Athletic Club on Saturday.

The deadline day also included Dani Ceballos’ desired return to Betis, although his registration was still pending, while Barcelona completed Gabriel Jesus’ registration. Marc Casadó and José María Giménez moved on loan to Deportivo de La Coruña, Harvey Elliott joined Valencia on loan and Youssouff Fofana moved to Sevilla. Atlético also completed the signing of Jonathan David from Juventus, the club’s fifth addition, according to the report.