Julian Alvarez’s agent has confirmed that Liverpool was interested in signing the striker from Manchester City last summer.
Alvarez joined City in 2022, winning two Premier Leagues and the Champions League in the space of two seasons before leaving for Atletico Madrid.
The 25-year-old, who is being linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, played over 100 times for City but grew frustrated at playing second fiddle to the prolific Erling Haaland, and is now enjoying being the main striker for Atletico Madrid, where he is averaging more than a goal every two games.
Had Arne Slot had it his way, Alvarez might have been turning out for Liverpool this term, with the Argentine’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, confirming that Liverpool wanted to sign him from City.
“I confirm that Liverpool were interested in Julian last season,” Hidalgo told winwin.com. “As for the future, it’s not the right time to talk about it, because Julian is participating in important tournaments and is fully focused on them.”
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes reportedly flew to Madrid to hold talks with Hidalgo last year, while his international teammate Alexis Mac Allister was involved in the charm offensive.
An agreement could not be reached due to City’s insistence that Luis Diaz be involved in the deal, but it’s suggested that Liverpool has retained its interest in Alvarez, even though it would take a bid of more than $129 million this summer to take him away from Atletico. It’s suggested that Darwin Nunez could be used as a makeweight in a deal, with Diego Simeone said to be a huge fan of the Uruguayan, despite his underwhelming scoring record for the Reds.
Liverpool is set to be in the market for a new striker this summer, with Nunez likely be sold three years on from his big-money transfer from Benfica. Nunez was the subject of interest from multiple Saudi Pro League clubs during the January transfer window, with Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal both keen on the 25-year-old forward.
Slot was unwilling to let Nunez leave midway through the season with the Reds in contention for a number of trophies, but Liverpool expects there to continue to be a strong market for the Uruguayan in the summer. Liverpool’s options to replace Nunez include Alvarez, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, and Benjamin Sesko of RB Salzburg.
