Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has shared his thoughts on Julian Alvarez amid [speculation he’s a transfer target for Barcelona](https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2025/6/8/24445562/joan-laporta-wants-julian-alvarez-to-be-robert-lewandowskis-successor-at-barcelona).
It’s been reported that Joan Laporta wants Alvarez to replace Robert Lewandowski when the striker hangs up his boots.
Simeone isn’t surprised to hear such talk and says Atletico will need to work hard to keep hold of the Argentina international.
> “Everything is logical, I can’t imagine any other scenario: Julián is 25 years old, he’s an extraordinary player, with hunger, with enthusiasm, with humility, with work, with goals, with hierarchy... How could everyone not want him? And Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, Liverpool... the best have to want him,” he told La Nacion.
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> “And for us, Atlético fans, it should be a source of pride that everyone wants him. Why? Because he’s ours. And since he’s ours, we have to take care of him. We have to help him feel happy. How will he feel happy? By winning. And to get there, we all have to give 110%. And not just for him, of course, but for everyone.”
Alvarez is seemingly locked down at Atletico with a €500 million release clause his contract, [although his agent has hinted he could be tempted by a move to Barcelona](https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2025/6/5/24443558/julian-alvarezs-agent-opens-door-to-future-barcelona-move).