Atlético's hidden gem to replace Julián Álvarez

Mauro Icardi, a 33-year-old Argentine forward, appears as a low-cost option in the Atlético de Madrid's transfer market to strengthen their attack if Julián Álvarez leaves during the final days of the market. The player is a free agent after leaving Galatasaray, and his main demand would be a salary between 6 and 7 million euros per season.

Icardi's name returns to the Atlético's agenda, where he has appeared in previous transfer windows. His status as a free agent reduces the operation's cost to just the salary and signing bonus, a factor that becomes important given the possibility that Atlético may need to seek a forward as the market nears its closure.

Mauro Icardi steps in due to Julián Álvarez's situation

The move is directly influenced by Julián Álvarez. The forward has expressed his desire to leave the club, and his situation has caused tension during the early LaLiga matches, with some fans showing discontent and the team waiting for a resolution to the conflict.

Atlético de Madrid has Álvarez under contract until 2030 with a release clause of 500 million euros. However, the sports management must have an alternative prepared in case an operation arises in the final week that leads to his departure.

This is where Mauro Icardi comes in. The forward became a free agent on July 15 after four seasons at Galatasaray. During his time in Turkey, he scored 77 goals, with 14 league goals in his last season, though he lost prominence and was a substitute in 19 out of 31 league appearances.

Salary, Atlético de Madrid's main condition

The advantage for Atlético is that they would not need to pay a transfer fee. Icardi concluded his contract in Turkey and can sign directly with any club, allowing the red and white team to act even after the regular market closes if they still have available slots.

The challenge lies in his financial terms. The Argentine earned around 10 million euros per year in his previous spell and would be willing to reduce that amount to a range close to 6-7 million per season to return to one of the major European leagues.

Icardi also brings immediate experience. Before Turkey, he played for Sampdoria, Inter Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain, concluding his time at Galatasaray after four seasons. His status as a free agent has led to rumors linking him to a possible return to Italy this summer.

The next steps depend on Julián Álvarez. If the Argentine stays, Atlético de Madrid would have less urgency to acquire another forward. If a departure is agreed before the market closes, Mauro Icardi would enable the club to negotiate without a transfer fee, focusing the operation on reaching a salary agreement close to those 6-7 million euros.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El tapado del Atlético para sustituir a Julián Álvarez