Barcelona are reportedly pondering on making a move for Julian Alvarez, as possible sanctions on Manchester City could aid their cause.
According to Fichajes, Julian Alvarez has emerged as a summer target for Barcelona. The Catalan giants could make an approach the next window, hoping possible sanctions on Manchester City could aid their cause for the 23-year-old World Cup winner.
Julian Alvarez was a name of unknown quantity before January 2022. Manchester City’s interest in the Argentine international brought him into the limelight. But the striker has shown his quality since arriving in Manchester last summer.
Reports suggested Manchester City initially wanted to send him out on loan to gain experience in the continent. A possible move to Girona was earmarked as a likely option, considering Alvarez was comfortable in a Spanish-speaking environment.
As Manchester City saw Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling leave the club in the summer, they were unsure about squad depth in the attacking positions. Hence, Pep Guardiola decided to keep Alvarez, a decision that was spot on.
The Argentine international has proven his worth in the team, albeit as a second-choice player. And he also won the World Cup in Qatar. While his stock continues to rise, Alvarez is also attracting attention from rival clubs.
Real Madrid were credited with interest last year. But now Barcelona also seems to admire the 23-year-old World Cup winner. Players are usually attracted by the prospect of playing for the two La Liga heavyweights, which may be the case with Alvarez.
He remains firmly in Manchester City’s plans, and the club could see a great future with him. But Barcelona will reportedly try to make an approach in the summer to determine their chances of signing the 23-year-old World Cup winner.
Moreover, Barcelona are also hoping possible sanctions for Manchester City will aid their cause of getting the player to Camp Nou. They will also feel a cheaper price could be negotiated with the Premier League champions. But the alleged charges will take much more time to resolve.
It could take years rather than months, meaning there is every chance Alvarez will remain at Manchester City for the foreseeable future. For now, Barcelona could submit an enquiry about the forward. But there’s hardly any chance of Guardiola sanctioning a departure for the Argentine striker so soon in his career in the Premier League.
No money for transfer, no illusions!