Manchester United and River Plate have reportedly opened talks over a deal for Julian Alvarez, a target for Barcelona and several other clubs.
According to a report by Argentine publication, Ole, Manchester United have established contact with River Plate to sign Julian Alvarez. Barcelona and several other European bigwigs are also courting the 21-year-old striker, whose release clause is worth €20 million.
Julian Alvarez has become one of the most coveted strikers in the world on the back of an excellent 2021 season with River Plate. The Argentine amassed 24 goals and 15 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in the club’s triumphant league campaign.
The youngster’s exploits have helped him get talked about in the same breath as other highly sought-after strikers like Erling Haaland, Dusan Vlahovic and Kylian Mbappe. Suffice to say, Alvarez has popped up on the radars of some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Barcelona and Manchester United.
The interest from Barcelona is understandable, considering Xavi Hernandez can no longer call upon Sergio Aguero following his decision to hang up his boots. With the Argentine legend forced to call time on his career due to a heart ailment, his compatriot Alvarez could end up becoming his long-term replacement at Camp Nou.
Recent reports have indicated that the Catalan giants are set to open talks to sign Alvarez. And his €20 million release clause could align well with Barcelona’s tight budget. On the other hand, Manchester United’s need to sign someone like Alvarez could be explained by Edinson Cavani’s uncertain future at Old Trafford.
Coincidentally, the Uruguayan striker has been heavily linked with Barcelona, although the La Liga heavyweights have recently cooled their interest in him. Nonetheless, with Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo in the twilight of his career, signing Alvarez would be a step in the right direction for Manchester United, with the Red Devils even establishing contact for the 21-year-old.
In addition to Barcelona and Manchester United, European bigwigs like Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus have also shown an interest in Alvarez. The player’s €20 million release clause further makes him an appealing target for his suitors. However, with Manchester United making their move, it remains to be seen if they can land him ahead of their competitors.