Julian Alvarez Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid
Liverpool are in the market for a new striker ahead of the summer transfer window, and reports suggest they might make a move for Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.
Despite achieving significant success with Manchester City, Alvarez opted for a fresh challenge and joined Atletico, who paid around €98 million for his services. The Argentine has enjoyed a strong and positive first season in Spain, but speculation is growing that Arne Slot could ask his management to pursue a swap deal involving Darwin Nunez.
Nunez had an impressive 2023/24 campaign, but he has struggled to replicate that form under the new Liverpool manager. The Uruguayan striker has managed just seven goals in 39 appearances this season, prompting Slot to consider offloading him at the end of the campaign. With his contract running until 2028, Liverpool could still demand a substantial fee for him and his management wants to use his market value as leverage to try and land Julian Alvarez.
Would a Darwin Nunez-Julian Alvarez Swap Deal Make Sense?
This isn’t the first time Liverpool have been linked with Julian Alvarez because the club had previously scouted him before he joined Manchester City in 2022.
Alvarez had a trophy-laden spell at City and has continued his fine form at Atletico Madrid. In 43 appearances this season, the 25-year-old has scored 22 goals and has an xG of 8.15 in La Liga. He has netted 10 league goals from 25 shots on target while also creating 25 additional chances.
On paper, Alvarez would be an ideal replacement for Nunez, given his versatility and willingness to work as a unit. He can play as a central striker, a wide forward, or even as a No. 10. In his final season at Manchester City, Julian Alvarez made 27 appearances as a secondary attacker behind Erling Haaland.
It’s still unclear if Alvarez wants to return to England or not but a straight swap deal is totally off the table. Alvarez is currently valued at around €80 million, with a contract running until 2030. If Liverpool are serious about signing him, they would likely need to offer an additional €50-60 million alongside Nunez to persuade Atletico.
Would Atletico Madrid Be Willing to Sell?
Atletico Madrid invested heavily in Julian Alvarez, and it seems highly unlikely they would offload him after just one full season.
If he were underperforming, Liverpool might have a chance, but given his impressive campaign, Atletico will demand a significant fee to even consider a sale. With his long-term contract in place, Diego Simeone’s side could ask for as much as €150-160 million.
Beyond the financial aspect, Liverpool would also have to convince Alvarez to leave. The Argentine is reportedly very happy in Spain and seems himself as a long-term player under Diego Simeone.