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Atletico could sell Julian Alvarez this summer. |
With Antoine Griezmann having just extended his contract until 2027 and Viktor Gyokeres being closely linked, coach Diego Simeone's attack is in a state of top-class overload - a problem that any team would both crave and have a headache about.
Griezmann's contract extension - a big boost, but with consequences
The decision to keep Griezmann for another season, which seemed like a worthy reward for his service, is putting Atletico's tactics in a difficult position. Coach Diego Simeone, who has stuck to the classic 4-4-2 formation, now has three top strikers in Griezmann, Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth - not to mention the possibility of Gyokeres arriving in the next few days. So who will have to make way?
In a system that only allows two starting positions up front, no one wants to be the “third man”. And of all the options, Alvarez – despite being the most effective striker this season – is the one whose future is in question.
Arriving from Man City for 75 million euros, Alvarez did not 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 affirmed his mettle in a harsh football environment like La Liga.
Alvarez's goalscoring ability, intelligent movement and fiery style of play made him an irreplaceable cog in Simeone's squad - until personnel changes made things uncertain.
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Atletico have made it clear that Gyokeres is a priority target in the summer transfer window. |
Atletico have made Gyokeres their priority target this summer. The Swede has enjoyed a breakout season at Sporting Lisbon and is seen as a natural fit for the direct attacking style Simeone is trying to introduce. The problem is, if Gyokeres arrives, there won't be enough space for everyone.
Simeone is not a coach who likes to rotate, and certainly not one who changes his tactical philosophy. That makes keeping Griezmann, Gyokeres, Alvarez and Sorloth unrealistic. One of them will have to go - and market logic dictates that the most valuable player is usually the first to be considered.
120 million euros - enough to shake Atlético?
Alvarez's contract has a €120 million release clause. With what he has shown, that price is completely within the reach of European giants like Chelsea, PSG or Bayern Munich - teams that lack a versatile striker like Alvarez, who can play both up front and deep.
Economically , selling Alvarez at his peak could bring in a huge profit. Atletico are not a club with a deep budget like Real or Barcelona, so optimizing assets has always been an essential part of how they operate.
Keeping Alvarez would mean giving up or limiting the roles of Griezmann or Gyokeres - something that, symbolically and strategically, is unlikely. But selling him would also mean giving up one of the most complete and durable young strikers around - a type of player you won't find easily.
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Alvarez's contract has a release clause worth €120 million. |
Although president Enrique Cerezo has insisted that “he will grow up and retire at Atletico”, modern football does not operate on emotional statements. Given the current circumstances, the possibility of Alvarez leaving Madrid this summer is entirely possible – if the right amount is put on the table.
Atletico are at a crossroads. Keeping Alvarez means keeping a part of their future. But if they sell, they could open a strong reinvestment cycle, serving their plans to conquer La Liga and the upcoming Club World Cup.
Regardless of which option is chosen, the Alvarez deal is sure to be one of the most watched blockbusters of the summer of 2025.
Source: https://znews.vn/atletico-ban-alvarez-khong-phai-tro-dua-post1557921.html
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