Julian Alvarez's lost eyes

Alvarez could not help Atletico avoid defeat.

In Atletico Madrid's declining team, the former Man City star no longer sees a future. And in Catalunya, Barcelona is waiting.

One swallow does not make a spring

At the Emirates, Alvarez was the rare Atletico player to perform at his best in the 4-0 defeat to Arsenal. He fought to the end and was the only bright spot in a dismal team. But when the referee blew the final whistle, the image of Alvarez bowing his head as he left the pitch – eyes glazed, legs aching – said more than any statistic.

The Argentine star can no longer hide his frustration. Since the start of the season, the Argentine player has publicly expressed his disappointment with the team's situation on several occasions. Not because he lacks opportunities or dislikes Diego Simeone, but because he clearly feels that Atletico has hit a ceiling. A team that cannot compete for titles, despite spending heavily, is difficult for a star in his prime like Alvarez to accept.

In the summer of 2024, Alvarez left Manchester City - where he lived in Haaland's shadow - to move to Madrid. Atletico spent 80 million euros, along with Simeone's promise that he would be at the heart of the "championship project". For Alvarez, it was the perfect opportunity to assert himself in La Liga - the league he had dreamed of when leaving Argentina.

But more than a year later, that promise has vanished like a bubble. Despite spending another 175 million euros on new players, Atletico still cannot operate smoothly. Many new contracts such as Baena have not found a foothold, and Alvarez still has to fight alone in attack. Without a suitable partner, without a support system, he is forced to shoulder all the attacking hopes.

Alvarez played very hard against Arsenal.

The defeat to Arsenal in the early morning of October 22nd was a perfect illustration of that situation. Simeone kept him on the pitch until the end, as if to say “only he knows how to attack”. And when the final whistle blew, he left the pitch quietly, a symbol of the loneliness of those who are better than the rest.

How long will Alvarez stay at Atletico?

Those close to Alvarez insist he has no intention of leaving Atletico before 2026, but everyone knows: if the club continues to slide, he will not wait any longer. The player himself still respects Simeone, but cannot stay with a team that has lost its ambition.

Atletico are trying to hold on. They are willing to increase his salary, extend his contract, and even raise his release clause to 500 million euros.

But as always in football, that figure means nothing if the player wants to leave. Internally, there have been rumours that the club would be willing to sell if they receive an offer of around 200 million euros - a price only PSG or Barca could dream of.

Barcelona are lacking a true centre-forward. They need a player who can press, link up the lines, and create chances for himself – three qualities Alvarez has in abundance. Plus, the relationship between Barca and Atletico has always been friendly, from the days of David Villa, Luis Suarez, to the Lenglet deal.

Julian Alvarez is a target for Barca.

According to Transfermarkt , Alvarez's current value is around 100 million euros - a level that Barca could consider if they add players to the deal. The prerequisite is still his own will. And after each failure, that desire seems to be getting stronger.

Alvarez has outgrown the current Atletico project. He needs a team big enough to match his ambitions. If Simeone cannot deliver on his promise of a title-winning team, it will only be a matter of time before he leaves.

At 25, Alvarez doesn’t want to be the lone hero in a mediocre team. He wants to win, to reach the top – something Atletico can’t offer at the moment. And perhaps the lights at Camp Nou are calling him away from Madrid.

Source: https://znews.vn/anh-mat-that-than-cua-julian-alvarez-post1596028.html