Alexander Isak to block Liverpool from signing Atletico Madrid star
Liverpool have been ruled out of signing Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez anytime soon because they bought Alexander Isak for a British record fee last summer.
Isak‘s long transfer saga saw him leave Newcastle to join Liverpool for a huge £125million fee on deadline day last summer.
His refusal to train or play for the Magpies saw him arrive on Merseyside unfit, and he struggled to make an impact on Arne Slot‘s side in the early parts of this season as a result.
Isak suffered a fractured leg against Tottenham last month, just as he had scored and looked to be finding his feet for the Reds, and he is now not expected to return to action until late April.
Liverpool were linked with a move for Alvarez last year before they signed Isak, and as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, the Swede’s arrival has since ruled out a move for the Atleti striker.
Liverpool will not move for Alvarez after Isak pursuit
Atletico are set to demand around £100m for Alvarez as he shines in La Liga following a 2024 move from Man City.
He has registered 40 goals and 13 assists in 85 appearances for the Spanish giants over the last 18 months, but is not set to return to the Premier League anytime soon.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “We know Barcelona are long-term admirers of Julian Alvarez.
“They showed interest in him last summer but weren’t able to get anything done because of their financial situation, and obviously Atletico Madrid didn’t want to lose him.
“He’s a top player, Alvarez, a regular goalscorer for Atletico since his move from Man City. I’m sure Atletico don’t really want to lose him, but come the summer, I’m sure there will be clubs monitoring the situation and ready to move for Alvarez.
“Liverpool and Arsenal both looked at him last summer as well, but obviously they looked elsewhere to strengthen their attacks, with the likes of Alexander Isak moving to Liverpool and Arsenal moving for Viktor Gyokeres as well.
“I think that would probably rule them out for next season unless there are other attacking departures at both of those clubs.”
Liverpool plotting Micky van de Ven approach amid centre-back concerns
Alvarez may not be on his way to Anfield soon, but Tottenham star Van de Ven could be this summer as the Reds keep tabs on his availability.
Slot’s centre-back issues have been prevalent this season amid their struggle to defend their Premier League crown, with question marks over the form of both Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk.
Sources have told Football Insider that Liverpool are looking at Van de Ven as a potential new arrival ahead of next season, as they have decided not to sign a new centre-back this month.
Tottenham want to agree a contract extension with Van de Ven soon amid ongoing links away, but regardless of any new deal, he is set to command a huge fee if he does leave North London in the coming months.