While much of the talk for the last week or two has been about Diego Simeone's future at Atletico Madrid, in another sense, Los Rojiblancos have entered a new era this summer. The most expensive signature in its history, João Felixleft the club after five unsuccessful years, including 18 months on loan at Barcelona, and his second most expensive signing, Julian Alvarezarrived
Chelsea have said they will shell out €52m for Felix, which many in the Spanish capital consider a good deal, but it's still a big waste for the €129m they spent. Alvarez arrived at the door as their next franchise player, signed to take over from Antoine Griezmann when he departs. He cost €75 million plus €20 million in variables from Manchester City, and had a slow start to life in Madrid.
Enzo Fernandez comments under Julián Álvarez's Atleti victory post. pic.twitter.com/ep0RgaYR0k
— Atletico Universe (@architetturauniverse) November 26, 2024
After his double against Sparta Prague, including two goals optimistically, AS Diary note that his total of 9 in 20 games is the same amount that Felix reached in his 36 appearances in his first campaign. Alvarez is also halfway through his career the best total of 19 in European football already.
It should be noted that Felix was only 18 years old when he moved, and made his first change abroad, and was much more likely to need a period of adaptation. At 24, and already established as a Champions League winner and World Cup winner, much more should be expected of Alvarez now than of Felix then. However, Alvarez's tally is promising, in an Atletico team that has lacked a reliable number nine for some time.
