Benitez reminds Real Madrid of Torres deal after €150m offer

The former coach of “Real Madrid”, “Liverpool” and “Valencia” Rafael Benitez commented on the proposal of the Royal Club to include Julian Alvarez from “Atletico” Madrid.

Benitez told Spain’s Cadena Ser radio program “El Larguero” that the high price for the Argentine striker is not determined by the selling club alone, but is rather dictated by current market data.

“It was surprising to me because there were other names on the table. Julian is undoubtedly a great player, but the problem is that the price is no longer in your hands… the market decides that.”

Benitez cited his personal experience with Liverpool 18 years ago when he signed Fernando Torres from Atletico Madrid for £20m, or around €30m at the time, the most expensive deal in the English club’s history at the time.

“We were talking about 30 million euros as a huge number for Torres. Today, talking about 150 million sounds like a lot, but these are just market prices. A solid striker who scores goals all the time and provides consistent play like Julian, his price could reach 100 or 150 million euros. It’s hard to determine the exact number, but if he continues at his level.”

and:Benitez’s announcement comes as rumors swirl about Alvarez’s future, with Real Madrid entering the race with a €150m bid following interest from Barcelona, ​​Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.However, Madrid “Atletico” categorically rejected the offer, stressing that the player “is not for sale”.

Benitez pointed to the scarcity of strikers like Alvarez in the current market, describing him as a “spider” type, referring to his ability to move throughout the attack.

When asked about the comparison between Alvarez and Erling Haaland, the Spanish coach refused to take sides and said: “It depends on your build. If you have two quick wingers who are good passers, Holland will be better in the air… but if you want a striker who can move between the lines and link the game, then Julien is the choice.”