Ask Onix
Simeone's persistent courtship secures Alvarez
Diego Simeone's unrelenting pursuit of Julian Alvarez culminated in the Argentine striker's record £81.5m move to Atletico Madrid in August 2024. The Atletico manager, along with key players like Rodrigo de Paul and Antoine Griezmann, bombarded Alvarez with calls and messages during the Copa America and Paris Olympics, eventually prompting the striker to request a pause.
"Tell your dad to stop calling," Alvarez told Giuliano Simeone, signaling his decision to join the Spanish club. The intensity of Simeone's approach contrasted sharply with Paris Saint-Germain's reported £8.7m annual wage offer, highlighting the personal touch that swayed Alvarez.
From Calchin to global stardom
Born in Calchin, a small town of 3,000 in Argentina's Cordoba province, Alvarez earned the nickname 'La Aranita' (The Little Spider) for his elusive dribbling skills on his neighborhood pitch. His talent was evident early, with opponents from nearby villages asking if 'La Aranita' would play. A trial with Real Madrid at age 11 left a lasting impression, though he chose to return home, calling it a formative experience.
At 15, River Plate scout Juanjo Borrelli identified Alvarez's potential after a single training session. His rise was meteoric: a six-goal performance in the Copa Libertadores against Alianza Lima announced him to the world, and his competitive edge was forged in River Plate's high-pressure environment. "Once you're at River, you can never lose a game without it hurting you," he reflected.
Manchester City success and the pull of Simeone
Alvarez joined Manchester City in January 2022, winning the Champions League in his debut season at age 23. Despite his success under Pep Guardiola, Simeone's vision for Atletico resonated. "He told me I could give the club something huge," Alvarez recalled. "That I'd have the space to be my best version."
The presence of fellow Argentines like de Paul and Griezmann, along with the club's Spanish-speaking culture, made Atletico feel like home. The £81.5m transfer, a club record for Atletico, was announced with a Spiderman-themed video, a nod to his nickname.
Atletico's project and future uncertainties
Alvarez has embraced his role at Atletico, dismissing the media's focus on his price tag. "In the dressing room, I'm just one of the group," he said. His work ethic-pressuring defenders and tracking back-has earned Simeone's rare individual praise. In 102 appearances, he has scored 47 goals, though his La Liga form in 2026 has been modest: eight goals in 29 games, with a 14-match drought broken only in February.
His Champions League performances, however, have been stellar, with nine goals in 12 games this season. A standout display in the quarter-final first leg against Barcelona-assisting a red card and scoring a free-kick-earned him man-of-the-match honors. Barcelona's interest, driven by Robert Lewandowski's decline and Ferran Torres' inconsistency, is complicated by Alvarez's £435m release clause and Atletico's £87m minimum asking price.
"He has a contract with Atletico Madrid,"
Enrique Cerezo, Atletico Madrid President
Alvarez remains noncommittal about his future. "I'm happy here," he said, while adding, "I don't know. You never know." The outcome of Atletico's Champions League semi-final against Barcelona could be decisive. A victory might solidify his commitment, while an early exit could prompt a reevaluation.
