Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly keen on signing Manchester City’s World Cup-winning striker Julian Alvarez.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Manchester City will attempt to tie Julian Alvarez to a new contract soon. The World Cup-winning striker is a target for several clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona. But the Premier League champions are not interested in parting ways with him.
Julian Alvarez rose to prominence in his homeland, delivering the 2021 league title to River Plate. That is when high-profile clubs across Europe set their sights on him. And Manchester City won the race to secure the services of the Argentine international in January 2022. Since then, his stock has risen considerably.
The 23-year-old has gradually risen in stature at Manchester City, amassing nine goals and two assists in 29 appearances. Alvarez has also tasted success on the international stage, winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina. And the player’s progress has captured the attention of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
At Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti have enjoyed the best version of Karim Benzema in the last half a decade. But the Frenchman is no spring chicken anymore and is in the twilight of his career. In addition, the Real Madrid captain has suffered from a few fitness issues this season.
With Mariano Diaz likely to depart from the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer, Real Madrid will need a replacement. And Alvarez has emerged as a viable target. The World Cup-winning striker can initially share game time before competing with Endrick for the first-choice striker’s berth. But Real Madrid will face stiff competition from Barcelona for the Argentine international.
The interest from Barcelona stems from Robert Lewandowski’s advancing years. The Polish striker has been top-class for the Blaugrana this season. But like Benzema, Lewandowski is well into his thirties. And Barcelona will need to plan for life after the experienced centre-forward. But Manchester City will look to tie the youngster to a new contract.
Even though Alvarez arrived at the Etihad last summer, the Premier League champions do not want to risk his future. So it is hardly surprising that Manchester City will look to hand a new deal to the World Cup-winning striker. And Barcelona or Real Madrid will unlikely sign him anytime soon.
Do behave!
Where are Barcelona going to get the cash to pay for Alvarez, they are already in default elsewhere, and have previously sold off a significant chuck of their future Television revenue rights. Also, one can be forgiven for thinking that FFP does apply to them, or does it only apply to Manchester City?
Not for sake, not going to happen unless he runs down his contract and even then he would cost £150 million plus.