The Truth Behind Julian Álvarez’s Rumoured Liverpool Transfer
The summer of 2024 will be remembered as one of the wildest transfer windows in football — a period filled with endless speculation, dramatic twists, and viral stories. Among them, one of the most talked-about sagas centered on Julian Álvarez, the Argentine World Cup winner, who was still a Manchester City player at the time.
Rumours claimed that Liverpool were preparing a sensational swap deal, offering Luis Díaz in exchange for Álvarez. The idea caught fire instantly, sparking debate among fans, journalists, and social media communities. Liverpool supporters wondered if the club were truly ready to part with one of their most beloved players; City fans feared losing another gem; and Atlético Madrid fans — who would later welcome Álvarez — had no clue that such drama surrounded the forward before his move to Spain.
More than a year later, Álvarez’s agent Fernando Hidalgo has set the record straight. Speaking to Erem News, Hidalgo confirmed there were no official offers, no negotiations, and no plans from Atlético to sell Álvarez once they had signed him. Simply put — the Liverpool link was pure fiction.
Why the Rumour Took Off
At the time, Liverpool were entering a period of transition. Jürgen Klopp’s era was nearing its end, and the club sought a new attacking leader to carry them forward. With Mohamed Salah aging and Díaz occasionally inconsistent, Liverpool’s search for a young, prolific forward led to Álvarez’s name.
Fresh from winning the 2022 World Cup and impressing under Pep Guardiola, Álvarez seemed the perfect candidate — dynamic, hardworking, and lethal in front of goal. Yet, as the gossip spread, few realised that Manchester City would never sell a key player to a direct Premier League rival.
The imagined swap with Díaz became a viral talking point because it seemed like the only feasible route. On paper, it made sense — Díaz’s flair for City, Álvarez’s finishing for Liverpool — but football rarely follows paper logic.
Behind the scenes, Atlético Madrid were quietly moving. Diego Simeone had long admired Álvarez’s energy, pressing, and versatility. When the opportunity arose, Atlético acted decisively, sealing an £82 million transfer that took the striker to the Spanish capital — not Anfield.
The Reality Revealed
Hidalgo’s comments have now ended months of speculation. “There were no offers, no talks — and Atlético never intended to sell,” he confirmed. For Liverpool fans hoping their club had at least tried, the truth is more straightforward: they never had a chance to bid.
Álvarez has since flourished in Spain. In his debut season, he scored 29 goals, becoming a cornerstone of Simeone’s project and a fan favourite at the Wanda Metropolitano. For Atlético, the idea of selling him was never even on the table.
What Might Have Been
For Liverpool, the story will remain one of football’s great “what ifs.” What if the Reds had moved sooner? What if City had agreed to negotiate? Could Álvarez have been the next hero at Anfield, leading the line alongside Salah and Isak?
We’ll never know. Instead, Liverpool rebuilt under Arne Slot, signing Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike to lead their new era, while Álvarez became the beating heart of Atlético Madrid’s attack.
From Rumour to Reality
Now, as Liverpool prepare to face Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, the story has come full circle. When Álvarez steps out at Anfield, fans will be reminded of the rumour that once set social media ablaze — a dream that never became reality.
But the truth is simple: Liverpool never made a move, City never agreed to sell, and Atlético never intended to part ways.
Julian Álvarez remains an Atlético Madrid player — a World Cup winner, a proven goalscorer, and a man fully committed to Simeone’s vision. The Liverpool dream was just that — a dream — but one that captures exactly why football’s transfer windows will always be the theatre of imagination.
