According to recent reports, FC Barcelona is interested in acquiring Julian Alvarez, the Argentine forward currently playing for Manchester City. Lionel Messi has praised Alvarez, calling him “amazing.” Under the leadership of Hansi Flick, the Catalan club aims to enhance their scoring options and views Alvarez as an ideal candidate for this role.
The Spanish news outlet SPORT has highlighted Barcelona’s admiration for Alvarez, noting his versatility and compatibility with their sporting strategy. At 24 years old, Alvarez had an impressive season with Manchester City, scoring 19 goals and providing 13 assists in 54 matches across various competitions.
It is reported that Joan Laporta, the president of Barcelona, is eager to sign Alvarez and is actively pursuing him. Laporta had previously expressed his intention to extend Messi’s contract, but financial issues led to Messi’s departure. Now, securing Alvarez could strengthen Barcelona’s attacking lineup and please their fan base.
Messi has been vocal about Alvarez’s talent, particularly following Argentina’s victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In an interview with the Manchester Evening News, Messi stated, “Nobody thought Julian would be as involved and important as he has been.” He commended Alvarez’s significant contributions during the World Cup and in subsequent matches, noting his pivotal role in the team’s success.
In addition to Alvarez, Laporta is also interested in Erling Haaland, another prominent player from Manchester City. However, any potential move for Haaland is expected to be considered next year. With Real Madrid acquiring Kylian Mbappe, Barcelona aims to respond by adding more top-tier players to their squad.
Alvarez, who has four years remaining on his Manchester City contract, would require Barcelona to negotiate a transfer deal. Reports indicate that Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in the World Cup-winning Argentine forward, who is valued at £80 million.
The bond between Messi and Alvarez has strengthened as they both play for the Argentine national team. Alvarez played a crucial role in helping Messi achieve his dream of winning the World Cup. Both players are currently competing in the Copa America in the United States, where Argentina started the tournament with a 1-0 victory over Chile on June 26.
Before the tournament, Alvarez expressed his hope that Messi would continue playing for Argentina. He told ESPN that the team is stronger with Messi and that he wishes the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to remain in the game rather than retire.
While Barcelona is still evaluating their options, signing Alvarez would be a significant step towards enhancing their offensive capabilities. His outstanding performances for both Manchester City and the Argentine national team demonstrate his ability to compete at the highest level. Alvarez’s versatility would also provide Barcelona with tactical flexibility that aligns well with Hansi Flick’s strategies.
Incorporating Alvarez into Barcelona’s squad would not only boost their competitiveness but also signify a new era under Laporta’s leadership. With Real Madrid’s acquisition of Mbappe, Barcelona’s efforts to secure Alvarez and potentially Haaland next year are strategic moves to maintain their status among Europe’s elite football clubs.
