How Atlético will keep Julián Álvarez
Atlético Madrid have decided to do everything possible to keep hold of their biggest attacking star – and promise Julián Álvarez the signings of two Argentines from the Premier League to convince him to stay.
It will not be easy, Paris Saint-Germain have not only signalled they are willing to spend over 120 million euros in purchases, they will also offer close to a doubling of the wages. Barcelona is also ahead, a transfer to the reigning La Liga champions would be nothing short of a disaster for Atlético Madrid who should/must/want to win the series.
Read: Tottenham tops are sure of 90 million striker: “He wants to go to London”
The transfer market at Atlético Madrid has just taken a dramatic new direction. Diego Pablo Simeone flatly refuses to lose “Araña”, who has asked to leave the club in the 2026 summer window. To reverse the striker’s wish and persuade him to lead the new sporting project at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the club has designed a dream team – with two star signings that will ensure competitiveness in both Spain and Europe.
The institutional strategy revolves around surrounding the Calchín striker with his closest allies from the national team – and taking advantage of the extraordinary window that the World Cup in North America provides.
Atlético’s sports management has resumed contact to finalize the signings of two key players from Argentina. These are huge economic moves that will not only strengthen Simeone’s tactical system, but also shake up the transfer market in Europe.
The plan involves a historic financial investment – to show that the ownership really has ambitions to compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona. Talks with Premier League clubs have already started, and two absolute priorities have been set to restructure the squad – and convince the striker that his ideal destination is still under the wings of Metropolitano fans.
Cuti Romero – Simeone’s desired defensive wall
The first big boost from Atlético’s management is the signing of Cristian “Cuti” Romero. The relentless Tottenham defender has become the top choice for the coaching staff to bring aggression, authority and physical strength to a defence that struggled mightily last season.
Romero has internally communicated that his main priority is to leave the British Isles this summer – and Tottenham have put the price tag at €60 million.
Simeone believes the former Atalanta player would form an extremely dominant centre-back pair in La Liga alongside young Marc Pubill – and create an impregnable defensive bulwark.
Alexis Mac Allister – the ideal partner for Julián
The other power move in Atlético’s offices is about the midfield: Alexis Mac Allister. The versatile central midfielder wants to end his stay at Liverpool and is positive about a move to Spain – to play alongside his national teammates.
Liverpool’s price tag is set at €70 million – an amount Atlético’s technical secretariat plans to amortise with liquidity from the summer’s profits.
Simeone is very excited about Mac Allister’s tactical versatility. He can play both as a defensive midfielder in the dual role and in more advanced positions as an attacking midfielder – making him the ideal replacement in the rotation of the attacking midfield.
This is also where Atlético’s sporting management expects Thiago Almada to inevitably leave the club for international football.
Now it’s time to
The coming weeks of this intense summer market will be crucial to formalize the deals for both Argentine world champions. Atlético’s plan of action is clear: no financial resources should be spared to meet the coach’s demands and secure the signatures of the two stars.
Atlético Madrid know very well that the price for commercial hesitation will be to lose Julián Álvarez. Therefore, they will use all budgetary opportunities to build a winning project – which can compete to rule Europe.
Big money on player purchases means selling players, high up on the sales list we find the Norwegian power forward Alexander Sørloth.
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