Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid talks to head coach Diego Simeone of Atletico Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Atletico de Madrid and SK Slovan Bratislava at Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano
Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid talks to head coach Diego Simeone of Atletico Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Atletico de Madrid and SK Slovan Bratislava at Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano
(Image: 2024 DeFodi Images)
Diego Simeone has admitted he would not be surprised if Liverpool want to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. The Reds were reportedly interested in signing the Argentina international when he left Manchester City last summer and have again been linked with the 25-year-old following a memorable first season in Spain.
The World Cup winner scored 29 goals from 54 appearances in his debut campaign with Atleti as they finished third in La Liga, reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals and suffered a controversial Champions League round-of-16 exit on penalties to Real Madrid.
While Alvarez might have only joined Atletico in a £81.5m deal from Man City last summer, he has already been repeatedly linked with a return to the Premier League.
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Both Liverpool and Arsenal have been touted as potential suitors with both clubs looking to sign a new centre-forward this summer.
Simeone has now admitted he is not surprised by such speculation as he name-dropped Arne Slot's side among others, conceding that every club would love to have Alvarez in their ranks.
But the Atletico boss has insisted that he wants the Argentine to stay put at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium - and revealed what the La Liga outfit need to do to retain his services.
“Everything is logical, I can't imagine any other scenario,” Simeone told La Nacion. “Julian 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.
“And for us, Atletico 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.”