Atletico Madrid has firmly stated its stance regarding the future of forward Julian Alvarez, a player that Liverpool has been keen to sign in the upcoming summer transfer window. After reports surfaced suggesting Liverpool's interest in the 25-year-old Argentinian, Atletico Madrid's sporting director, Carlos Boussired, insisted that the club has no plans to allow Alvarez to leave.
Previously, speculation surrounded a potential move for Alvarez back to the Premier League, following claims from his agent, Fernando Hidalgo, that Liverpool made attempts to sign him last year when he was still with Manchester City. Alvarez departed City after a lack of playing time, joining Atletico for a hefty fee reported at £82 million.
Amidst these developments, the statement from Boussired clarified that, “It is incorrect to say that Liverpool has made an official offer for our player Julian Alvarez; what is circulating are just rumors.” He emphasized that Alvarez is a key player for their project and expressed confidence that the forward is not bothered by the rumors regarding his potential transfer to Liverpool.
In his stint with Atletico Madrid, Alvarez has continued to demonstrate his abilities, netting 23 goals in 44 matches while solidifying his role in Diego Simeone's squad. However, despite his achievements—including winning the treble with Manchester City—he faces a challenging season, as Atletico currently trails behind rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid in the La Liga title race and suffered elimination from the Champions League last week.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s search for a striker continues. While the possibility of signing Alvarez seems unlikely now, the Reds have several other attacking options on their radar. Among the names linked to Liverpool are Alexander Isak, Victor Osimhen, Joao Pedro, and Jonathan David. This comes in light of the subpar performances from Liverpool's current forwards, notably Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez, especially during the recent EFL Cup final defeat to Newcastle, raising calls for the team to bolster their offensive line.
In a parallel storyline, Barcelona has set its sights on Liverpool's star player Mohamed Salah, as the Catalan club aims to bolster its squad for the upcoming season. Reports from English media indicate that Barcelona is willing to go to great lengths to secure the Egyptian forward, whose contract with Liverpool expires at the end of the current season.
While Liverpool remains committed to extending Salah's contract, they now face stiff competition not only from Barcelona but also from prospective offers from Saudi Arabian clubs and even Paris Saint-Germain. The Spanish club is reportedly eyeing a move for Salah ahead of the summer window, viewing him as a major target after links to other high-profile players like Neymar and Lionel Messi.
Interestingly, if Salah successfully navigates negotiations to remain at Liverpool, Barcelona is reevaluating their pursuit of Luis Diaz from the same club, with Foot Mercato reporting that the Catalans might prioritize Salah as a more attractive option given his experience and reduced transfer costs.
As Salah approaches his 33rd birthday next June, he continues to be among the top performers in European football, having scored 32 goals and assisted an additional 22 across all competitions this season. He is currently the leading scorer in the Premier League with 27 goals and boasts 17 assists with nine games remaining in the season. Many consider him a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or in 2025, despite Liverpool's recent exit from the Champions League in the Round of 16 against Paris Saint-Germain, which somewhat mitigated his chances of securing the prestigious award.
As the summer transfer window approaches, both clubs are likely to remain active in the market, with Liverpool focused on adding quality to their squad while Atletico Madrid remains resolute in keeping key players like Alvarez. With clubs such as Barcelona vying for stars like Salah and the anticipated shifts in various rosters, the coming months promise to be exhilarating in European football.
