Harry Kane has experienced the heartbreak of coming close yet falling short many times. In contrast, Julián Álvarez is a trophy machine. At 24, the Argentine has already won 16 titles, becoming only the third player in football history, after Cafu and Dida, to have won the Copa Libertadores, Copa America, UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
Notably, Álvarez's trophy collection is expanding at a rapid pace. Fresh off his Copa America campaign, the Man City forward is set to participate in the Olympics as an overage player. "The Olympics is the only major tournament I haven't won, and obviously, it’s an honor to participate," Álvarez stated.
Young players naturally desire to capitalize on their momentum. Man City respects Álvarez's ambition to shine on the international stage and is even prepared to let him go. Atlético Madrid is actively pursuing the Argentine striker. A year and a half ago, Simeone noted during Argentina's World Cup triumph in Qatar, "Álvarez is more dangerous in central positions than on the wing." Simeone has been eyeing Álvarez since then, and Atlético was actually the first club to approach River Plate about the "Spider" before Man City signed him.
Last season, Atlético dropped out of La Liga's top three, highlighting the need for fresh talent. With Morata on the verge of leaving and Griezmann underperforming in the Euros, it’s no surprise that Atlético is revisiting their interest in Álvarez.
At 24, Álvarez is still ascending, even if he is no longer considered an emerging talent. His playing style fits perfectly with Simeone's high-press tactics. In the recent Copa America, Álvarez completed an impressive 172 high-intensity presses. Argentina's coach Scaloni praised him, saying, "Álvarez is our first line of defense; his pressing disrupts opponents' build-up."
Atlético has grand plans, and Álvarez has the drive to reassert himself. Despite winning six trophies with Man City, Haaland seems to be the favored striker. Guardiola confidently said, "Haaland and Álvarez can play together, especially against five-man defenses," but this often meant sacrificing Álvarez's playing time and striker role, sometimes even deploying him as an attacking midfielder. While Álvarez showcased his versatility, including providing seven key passes in a single match, there’s a constant chorus advocating for his potential.
In his two and a half years at Man City, Álvarez has scored 36 goals and provided 18 assists in 103 appearances. Although he doesn’t enjoy the same adulation as Haaland, his knack for performing in big matches is notable. He has scored or assisted against top teams like Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid, RB Leipzig, Fluminense, and Manchester United.
With a market value now at €90 million, Álvarez’s talent is clearly recognized. Apart from Atlético, Chelsea and PSG are also keen to unlock his full potential as a striker. His exploits in the Copa Libertadores, where he once scored six goals in a single match, underscore his goal-scoring prowess. For Chelsea, signing Álvarez could replicate the success they found with Palmer.
Unlike Palmer, who struggled for playing time at Man City, Álvarez was a coveted talent even before joining the Premier League champions. His career trajectory has often been compared to Messi’s. At 23 years and 3 months, he surpassed Messi as the youngest Argentine to score in a Champions League semifinal and became the youngest Argentine since Messi to score a direct free kick in the Champions League at 23 years and 231 days.
Despite not being the main star, Álvarez has proven his worth. In the 2021 Copa America, he only played 34 minutes as a substitute, yet by the 2022 World Cup, he had scored four goals, significantly contributing to Argentina's triumph. In the 2024 Copa America, Álvarez was instrumental in Argentina's success, starting more often than top scorer Lautaro. He remarked, "Competition is always there, just like at the club."
Leaving Man City means stepping out of his comfort zone. From a perspective of inherent potential, leaving could stimulate further growth. Álvarez is a modern attacking player, known for his versatility and defensive work rate, making him a sought-after asset for top clubs. If he can secure a central striker role, leaving could signify a rebirth.
Reports indicate that Álvarez rejected an extension plan from Man City at the end of last season. The only remaining question is whether Atlético is truly willing to invest €90 million in their target. After all, the financial sting of former €100 million man João Félix still lingers. Expensive signings come with risks, but for Atlético, the potential reward might be worth it.
Copyright Notice:
Datavictory copyrights this specification. No part of this specification may be reproduced in any form or means, without the prior written consent of Datavictory.
Link:
