UEFA Champions League
Julián Álvarez is back on the Real Madrid's transfer radar after Guti Hernández pointed him out as the player from Atlético de Madrid that José Mourinho's team would bring in. The Argentine, 26 years old, reappears in the debate three months after the White Club made a €150 million offer that did not succeed.
Can you imagine? 💣
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFutbol) September 17, 2026
Guti would take Julián Álvarez to Real Madrid 💰#LADAZONETA pic.com/T55RyUgUR7
Guti Hernández Picks Julián Álvarez for Real Madrid
The choice was made during a DAZN discussion before the Madrid Derby. When asked which Atlético de Madrid player he would sign for Real Madrid, Guti Hernández selected Julián Álvarez, believing he could fit into José Mourinho's team, though he also acknowledged the financial challenge of such a deal.
The previous event dates back to June 9, 2026. On that day, Real Madrid officially communicated a €150 million proposal for the forward's rights. In their statement, the White Club mentioned that Atlético had rejected the offer and referred to the player's release clause.
The contractual situation strengthens Atlético's position. Julián Álvarez is under contract until 2030, with a release clause set at €500 million. These figures narrow the margin for a new offensive if Atlético de Madrid maintains the same stance shown during the summer transfer window.
Atlético de Madrid Keeps Julián Álvarez until 2030
The summer was particularly eventful for the striker. Julián Álvarez publicly expressed in June that he saw a transfer as the best option, and during the window, his future was linked with FC Barcelona. Nevertheless, the transfer period ended with the Argentine still at Atlético de Madrid with his contract intact.
His season's start has also been affected by physical issues and transfer rumors. The forward suffered a muscular strain that kept him out of the matches against Real Sociedad and Osasuna, although he has been working in recent days to be ready for the upcoming derby against Real Madrid on Sunday.
Internal competition has shifted as well. Jonathan David took advantage of his chances during the Argentine's absence and has scored two goals in three matches, leaving Diego Simeone with a decision to make regarding which forward will start in the derby.
Julián Álvarez's Fit in Mourinho's Real Madrid
Sportingly, Julián Álvarez's versatility is valuable as he can play as a center forward or behind the striker. His mobility, off-the-ball movements, and ability to quicken attacks make him a suitable option as noted by Guti Hernández for Mourinho.
The issue for Real Madrid is not only financial. The team already relies heavily on attackers like Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius, and Jude Bellingham, so an investment of €150 million or more would require reconsidering roles and spaces in the attack.
The immediate focus is not on the transfer market but on the field. Julián Álvarez is available for the derby on Sunday, September 20, against Real Madrid, although his starting position is not guaranteed. Following the summer transfer market, the match at the Metropolitano once again brings the forward against the club that previously attempted his signing.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Real Madrid no se olvida del fichaje de Julián Álvarez
