Julián Álvarez, from being considered as a signing by Barça to being a threat

The 'Spider' is very attractive and he does it dressed in red and white. Julián Álvarez is the second most expensive signing in the history of Atlético de Madrid, only behind João Félix. The Madrid club paid 75 million euros plus 20 in variables for the Argentine from Manchester City. Despite the fact that he struggled to get going at the start, he is now the team's top offensive reference, with 19 goals and 4 assists in 38 games. This Tuesday, 9:00 p.m. Spanish peninsular time, he will be the biggest threat that FC Barcelona will face in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final in Montjuic.

Hansi Flick's pupils will have to face the Calchín native, but the reality is that they could have had him as a teammate if the club had opted for him. The Barça scouting department had followed him closely during his time at River Plate and in the lower categories of Argentina. After his rise to prominence at the 'Millonario' team, half of Europe began to follow his trail. Barça considered betting on him, since his termination clause was 20 million euros. In fact, according to Josep María Minguella, former player representative, on the COPE channel in 2023, he offered the attacker "for 20 million euros to be paid in 5 instalments."

The bet on Ferran Torres over Julián

In the winter market of 2022, Xavi was eager to sign a left winger. One of the first options considered was Sterling, but the financial requirements were considered excessive. Mateu Alemany, sporting director at the time, with the consensus of the coach, found Ferran Torres to be a more viable option. Thus, the Catalan team approached the operation of the winger born in Foios in exchange for 55 million euros fixed, paid in 5 annual installments, plus 10 in variables.

The club's complex financial situation forced it to refuse to sign Julián Álvarez, despite the offer from Minguella, the key man in Maradona's arrival in Barcelona. Thus, at the end of January, Manchester City reached an agreement with River Plate for 18.5 million euros plus 8.5 in variables. The footballer remained on loan until June with the red team before beginning his career as a 'sky blue'. Later, he became a world champion with Argentina in Qatar, won the Champions League and also two Premier League titles, among other trophies.

This summer, Atlético de Madrid broke the bank and made several important investments. Among them, the second largest in its history, which meant the arrival of the Cordoba striker. Time has proved them right, as the 25-year-old striker is key in Simeone's scheme and his goal-scoring contribution is vital for the team. This Tuesday, they will face FC Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. They are the biggest threat to Atlético. Be careful, Barça, because the 'Spider' is very stinging.