Atletico selling Alvarez is no joke.

Atletico Madrid faces a pivotal decision, not only in terms of personnel strategy, but also in terms of long-term development direction: should they sell Julian Alvarez?

Atletico could very well sell Julian Alvarez this summer.

With Antoine Griezmann having just extended his contract until 2027, and Viktor Gyokeres being closely linked with a new signing, Diego Simeone's attacking line is facing a severe overload – a problem that any team would both covet and struggle with.

Griezmann's contract extension - a big boost, but with consequences.

The decision to keep Griezmann for another season, seemingly a well-deserved reward for a veteran player, is now creating a tactical dilemma for Atletico. Coach Diego Simeone, who is steadfast in his classic 4-4-2 formation, now has three top strikers at his disposal: Griezmann, Alvarez, and Alexander Sorloth – not to mention the possibility of Gyokeres arriving in the coming days. So who will have to make way?

In a system that only allows two starting spots in attack, no one wants to be the "third." And of all the options, Alvarez – despite being the most effective striker this season – is the one whose future is being questioned.

Arriving from Man City for €75 million, Alvarez didn't take long to win the hearts of the "Rojiblancos" fans. With 29 goals and 7 assists in his first season, he not only proved his transfer value but also demonstrated his mettle in a demanding football environment like La Liga.

Alvarez's goal-scoring ability, intelligent movement, and fiery playing style made him an irreplaceable link in Simeone's team – until personnel changes made things uncertain.

Atletico have clearly identified Gyokeres as their priority target in the summer transfer window.

Atletico have clearly identified Gyokeres as their priority target in the summer transfer window. The Swedish striker is having a breakout season at Sporting Lisbon and is considered a good fit for the direct attacking style that Simeone is trying to revitalize. The problem is, if Gyokeres arrives, there won't be enough space for everyone.

Simeone isn't the type of coach who likes to rotate his squad, and he's certainly not someone who easily changes his tactical philosophy. This makes keeping Griezmann, Gyokeres, Alvarez, and Sorloth all seem impractical. One player will have to leave – and according to market logic, the player with the highest transfer value is usually the first to be considered.

120 million euros - is that enough to make Atlético Madrid waver?

Alvarez's contract includes a release clause worth €120 million. Given his performances, that price is well within the reach of European giants like Chelsea, PSG, or Bayern Munich – teams lacking a versatile striker who can play both as a central forward and a deeper midfielder like Alvarez.

From an economic standpoint, selling Alvarez at the peak of his form could yield a huge profit. Atletico Madrid doesn't have the same financial resources as Real Madrid or Barcelona, ​​so optimizing assets is always a crucial part of their operations.

Keeping Alvarez would mean abandoning or limiting the roles of Griezmann or Gyokeres – something that, from a symbolic and long-term strategic standpoint, is highly unlikely. But selling him would also mean giving up one of the most complete and consistent young strikers currently available – a type of player you won't easily find again.

Alvarez's contract includes a release clause worth 120 million euros.

Although President Enrique Cerezo asserted, "He will grow up and retire at Atletico," modern football doesn't operate on emotional pronouncements. Given the current circumstances, the possibility of Alvarez leaving Madrid this summer is entirely plausible – if a reasonable price is offered in negotiations.

Atletico are at a crossroads. Keeping Alvarez means preserving a part of their future. But selling him could open up a strong reinvestment cycle, serving their plans to conquer La Liga and the upcoming Club World Cup.

Whichever option is chosen, the Alvarez deal will undoubtedly become one of the most anticipated "blockbuster" transfers of summer 2025.

Source: https://znews.vn/atletico-ban-alvarez-khong-phai-tro-dua-post1557921.html