{
  "id": 1718439,
  "title": "Simeone to leave Alvarez out of Atletico opener amid transfer standoff",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/simeone-to-leave-alvarez-out-of-atletico-opener-amid-transfer-standoff",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-18T12:25:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/08/18/atletico-coach-simeone-to-bench-alvarez-amid-transfer-standoff"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Atletico Madrid's coach Diego Simeone has ruled out Julian Alvarez playing in the team's upcoming LaLiga match against Malaga due to ongoing transfer negotiations with Barcelona. The 26-year-old striker, who cost Atletico €75 million (US$86.8 million) in 2024, has expressed a desire to make a move to fully achieve his goals, with Barcelona reportedly in the mix. CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin, who owns the club, has made it clear that Atletico will not sell Alvarez for less than €200 million. Simeone emphasized that the club's primary concern is Alvarez's well-being and reputation, stating they won't be fielding him in the Malaga game. However, there is hope for his availability for the Sunday match against Villarreal, should he improve his condition.",
  "summary": "Atletico Madrid will be without striker Julian Alvarez for their LaLiga opener against Malaga, as the Argentine remains embroiled in a transfer tug-of-war with Barcelona.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}