Liverpool’s search for a top-tier striker has intensified as the transfer window enters its final stages.
The club’s pursuit of Alexander Isak has dominated headlines this summer.
However, with Newcastle holding firm over a potential British-record transfer fee, Liverpool have started exploring alternative options.
The Reds have already been active in the market.
They have brought in Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, Hugo Ekitiké from Frankfurt, Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, and Giovanni Leoni from Parma.
These signings signal the club’s intent to strengthen the squad ahead of another Premier League title challenge and a fresh Champions League campaign.
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One such player has emerged as a potential alternative.
A striker described by journalist Pablo González as a “monster,” whose skill set and goal-scoring instincts make him an intriguing proposition for a team with high expectations in both domestic and European competition.
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Enter Julian Álvarez, the 25-year-old Argentine international. The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle has suggested that the former Manchester City star is ‘another name’ on their radar, while his colleague, Paul Gorst, has questioned how much ‘appetite’ there might be on Liverpool’s end to test Atletico Madrid’s resolve.
With a market value soaring to £142m, Álvarez has made 46 appearances for Argentina, scoring 13 goals, and netting 29 goals alongside seven assists across all competitions last season for Atletico.
His statistical profile positions him as a modern forward capable of both finishing chances and contributing to build-up play, drawing comparisons to players such as Vinícius Jr. of Real Madrid and Omar Marmoush of Manchester City.
Liverpool’s interest reflects a desire to secure a striker who combines goal threat with versatility.
Álvarez is capable of playing across the front line, linking effectively with wingers, and providing an option in wide channels if needed.
While the price tag and competitive market will complicate negotiations, his proven ability to perform in high-level competitions makes him an appealing alternative should the Isak deal fall through.
How Álvarez compares to Isak
From a tactical standpoint, Álvarez offers several advantages that could make him a suitable replacement for Isak while also complementing Liverpool’s existing attacking options.
His profile blends technical skill, mobility, and a high work rate, which would enable him to integrate into Arne Slot’s pressing and positional systems.
Whereas Isak excels as a central finisher with excellent movement and finishing in tight spaces, Álvarez provides additional dimensions through progressive passing and creative contributions, offering versatility in multiple attacking scenarios.
Statistically, the comparison underscores this difference.
Matches Played
34
37
Starts
34
30
Goals
23
17
Assists
6
4
Penalty Goals
4
4
In terms of ball progression, Álvarez averages 2.83 progressive carries per 90 versus Isak’s 2.71, and 3.30 progressive passes per 90 compared with Isak’s 2.88, highlighting his involvement in moving the ball forward and initiating attacking sequences.
Shooting metrics reflect a similar pattern.
Álvarez takes 2.51 shots per 90 with 1.29 on target, slightly below Isak’s 3.10 shots and 1.34 on-target rate, but his shot accuracy (51.4%) surpasses Isak’s 43.2%, indicating a higher efficiency when attempting to score.
Passing also remains an area where the Atleti forward differentiates himself, completing 25.7 passes per 90 at a 74.2% pass completion rate, compared with Isak’s 17.0 passes and 75.3% accuracy.
Notably, Álvarez’s progressive passing distance of 95.1 metres per 90 dwarfs Isak’s 53.7 metres, showing his capacity to advance the ball into threatening positions consistently.
In terms of creativity, Álvarez recorded 3.87 shot-creating actions per 90, significantly above Isak’s 3.01, suggesting he can make an impact beyond pure goal scoring.
This combination of attributes makes Álvarez a multi-dimensional forward capable of linking play, finishing opportunities, and contributing to Liverpool’s wide and central attacking structures.
He offers a slightly different skill set from Isak, providing Slot with the flexibility to adjust the team’s tactical approach depending on opposition and match context.
His ability to carry the ball into attacking zones, create chances for others, and finish efficiently mirrors Liverpool’s style of blending pressing intensity with dynamic attacking movement.
Moreover, the 25-year-old’s versatility could help Liverpool mitigate risk.
Should Isak’s transfer fail, having a player capable of playing across the front line or drifting into wide channels ensures Liverpool are not left with a single type of striker.
His profile complements the creativity of Mohammed Salah, allowing for multiple combinations in attack.
While Isak may bring superior finishing instincts, Álvarez provides a more rounded offensive package, combining goal-scoring ability with creative distribution and positional fluidity.
He represents a high-potential alternative for Liverpool, embodying the traits necessary to thrive in the Premier League while adding layers of creativity and adaptability.
The Argentine offers a balance of efficiency, technical ability, and tactical intelligence that aligns with Liverpool’s attacking philosophy.
If Liverpool act decisively, he could emerge as a central figure in their forward line, bridging the gap left by an unsettled Isak while complementing the club’s existing offensive talents.
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