Liverpool are lining up a ‘club record’ bid for an ex-Premier League star, according to stunning reports.
Liverpool Eyes JuliĂĄn Ălvarez as Potential Mohamed Salah Replacement
Arne Slot has made an impressive start at Liverpool since taking over from JĂŒrgen Klopp. His team remains firmly in contention for the Premier League title and has a chance to secure its first trophy under his leadership in Sundayâs Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United.
Despite limited spending in the transfer marketâonly signing Federico Chiesa from Juventus for ÂŁ12.5 millionâLiverpool could be set for a more active summer, particularly if Mohamed Salah departs when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Liverpool Targeting Ălvarez as Salah’s Successor
If Salah does leave, Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on JuliĂĄn Ălvarez as a potential replacement. According to Sam Maguire of Anfield Watch, the club has been monitoring the Argentine forward, but signing him would require a bid of over ÂŁ100 million.
Ălvarez was on Liverpoolâs radar last summer, but a deal never materialized. Gonzalo Siegrist, a senior scout at the club, has been a long-time admirer of the 25-year-old, pushing for his signing since his days at River Plate.
The Argentine forward made a high-profile move from Manchester City to AtlĂ©tico Madrid for ÂŁ81.8 million last summer, meaning prying him away from Spain wonât be easy. However, if Liverpool loses Salah, they could be willing to make a major financial push to bring Ălvarez to Anfield.
Liverpoolâs Failed Move for JuliĂĄn Ălvarez RevealedâCould They Try Again?
Before JuliĂĄn Ălvarez sealed his move to AtlĂ©tico Madrid, Liverpool were in talks with Manchester City over a potential transfer. However, negotiations ultimately fell through due to disagreements over the structure of the deal.
Liverpool & City Couldnât Agree on Terms
City were open to selling Ălvarez to Liverpool, but they demanded Luis DĂaz in return, along with a significant transfer fee. While Liverpool werenât entirely opposed to parting ways with DĂaz, they wanted the deal to be financially viable.
One major sticking point was the valuation of DĂazâCity priced him at ÂŁ45 million, while Liverpool believed he was worth closer to ÂŁ60 million. The two clubs couldn’t find common ground, and eventually, AtlĂ©tico Madrid swooped in and secured Ălvarez for ÂŁ81.8 million.
Ălvarezâs Agent Confirms Liverpoolâs Interest
The speculation surrounding Liverpoolâs pursuit was confirmed by Ălvarezâs agent, Fernando Hidalgo. Speaking to WinWinAllSports, he stated:
“I confirm that Liverpool were interested in JuliĂĄn last season. As for the future, this is not the right time to talk about it, as JuliĂĄn is competing in important tournaments and is fully focused on them.”
Could Liverpool Revive Their Interest?
With Mohamed Salahâs future uncertain, Liverpool may reignite their pursuit of Ălvarez this summer. The Argentine has been in sensational form for AtlĂ©tico, scoring 22 goals in 43 games across all competitions.
Despite recent controversy in AtlĂ©ticoâs Champions League elimination against Real Madrid, Ălvarez remains a highly sought-after forward. However, prying him away from Spain will likely require a bid in excess of ÂŁ100 millionâa steep price, but one Liverpool may be willing to pay if Salah departs.