Despite the fact that at the Metropolitano they remain calm about Julian Alvarez’s continuity, clinging to the four years of contract that will remain at the end of the current season (it expires in 2030) and the 500 million release clause that makes it practically impossible for any club to assume the price of his freedom, Atletico are firmly intent on increasing their commitment to their franchise player, proposing a review of his contract to make him the highest paid player in the squad, specifically with 10 million euros (9 million fixed salary, plus another one for easily achievable objectives)

With speculation pointing to a change of scenery next season, the voices in Barcelona that place him as the best placed to replace Lewandowski, the big clubs in Europe with Arsenal at the head considering him as the world-class player he is and with Julian himself not settling all those concerns around his figure, the plan drawn up at Atletico is to strengthen their relationship, without leaving a single possibility for any fissure.

Beyond the external noise, the purpose in the offices of the Metropolitano is to continue to build a scenario in which the Argentine feels that he remains the flagship player of the project. Thus, just as Atletico chose him as the heir to Griezmann before rolling up their sleeves to get him out of Manchester City two summers ago and gave him star status from his arrival, now they understand that they can take another step to reinforce his status: a contract review.

No less than 10 million euros as the main argument to dispel any doubts that may linger in the Argentine’s mind. It should be remembered that the striker of the current world champion earns around 7 million euros in salary between fixed and variable, so the increase in his salary would be significant. To be more precise, he would shoot straight to the top of Atletico’s salary scale, where Oblak lives with that same amount.

In the hands of Julian

In this way, although Atletico and Julian have not sat down at the table to enter into negotiations, the striker already knows the club’s intentions, leaving it in his hands the option of accelerating a renewal that reinforces his commitment. However, just as he has never wanted to cut short all the speculation that questions his continuity, he has also shown no signs of being in a hurry to clarify his future, so it is not expected that this possible renewal will be imminent.

What is also beyond doubt is that both Julian and his family are fully happy with their life in Madrid, beyond a dressing room in which he is also comfortably integrated, increasing the conviction and optimism at Atletico that their top scorer is closer to a contract extension than a farewell.