Rumours are swirling that Liverpool may make a transfer approach for a player who was a hit at Manchester City not long ago.
I was a major member of a victorious Manchester City team, but now I could make a surprise move to Liverpool.
Julián Álvarez played a crucial role in Manchester City’s successful 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons. Erling Haaland grabbed all of the attention for his goalscoring exploits, but the Argentine’s awareness of space and technical quality made him a critical part in Pep Guardiola’s juggernaut
Since leaving the Etihad for Atlético.
Álvarez’s stock has only increased. He left to become the star of a large club, and he succeeded, scoring 29 goals in all competitions in his debut season. Despite this, there are growing rumours that the 25-year-old is dissatisfied with his current situation in Madrid and may leave at the conclusion of the season.
According to Fichajes, Barcelona and Liverpool are interested in signing Álvarez. However, it is unclear whether this is a viable deal and why he would want to leave Atlético.
Last weekend, Atlético Madrid’s poor start to the 2025/26 season continued with a disheartening 1-1 draw away to Mallorca, who have yet to win a game in La Liga. Álvarez was pulled in the second half due to poor performance, including missed penalties and open play opportunities.
Why Julián Álvarez could quit Atlético Madrid already?
Álvarez was seen shaking his head in disbelief when Diego Simeone repeatedly removed him from the game, as reported in the Spanish media. Amateur lipreaders and cameras captured Álvarez shaking his head in apparent disbelief. The amateur lipreaders of the world believe he was muttering “always me” to himself as he sat in the dugout.
According to El Chiringuito, Álvarez is dissatisfied with his current position in Madrid and believes Simeone lacks the necessary skills to manage a world-class player.
Atlético is reportedly looking to extend Álvarez’s contract, which he signed just a year ago, to keep potential suitors at bay. More than a month after those rumours originally circulated, no new agreement has been reached. Given that Álvarez is already under contract until 2030, there will be no motivation for him not to accept a wage raise unless he intends to leave.
Of course, the alleged schism between striker and manager could be far smaller than portrayed by all of the scandalous rumours, and it could simply be that a new contract was never proposed or that Alvarez’s side is negotiating better terms. Those seeking grounds to justify the Argentines’ departure are given…
Will Liverpool sign Alvarez next summer?
The other half of the equation, of course, is if Liverpool and Barcelona make a bid to recruit him next summer, assuming the opportunity arises. That is far from guaranteed.
Liverpool’s recent investment in Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Huge Ekitiké may limit future spending and eliminate the necessity for a player like Álvarez.
If Wirtz continues to fail, the demand may increase, but they do not have an urgent need for a number ten or a centre forward.
Atlético is also unlikely to sell him for less than a small money. The team spent €75 million (£65 million) upfront on Álvarez, with an additional €20 million (£17.5 million) possible through add-ons. They are known for not letting players leave for lower costs. With the player under contract for another five years, they will only sell if it is financially advantageous to them – or if the player leaves them with no choice.
The scale of the transfer money required is likely to be enough to eliminate a cash-strapped Barcelona from contention, and it may be too much for Liverpool. There is rarely an easy way to make such a large transfer.
Even if Liverpool can afford to make the deal, they are likely to find Atlético a difficult team to negotiate with, especially as Álvarez remains a crucial player for them despite their fractiousness.
The smart money is on Alvarez staying at the Metropolitano for a while longer – but stranger things have happened, and if the Spanish gossip columns get their facts straight for once, the Argentine may be working to force his way back to the Premier League sooner than expected.
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