FC Barcelona's Interest in Julian Alvarez Revealed as Striker's Agent Speaks Out
Reports surrounding FC Barcelona's interest in highly-touted striker Julian Alvarez have been largely unsubstantiated, but his agent has finally addressed the rumors. In comments to Eremnews, Fernando Hidalgo, Alvarez's representative, dismissed claims that he met with Barcelona's sporting director Deco or president Joan Laporta, stating "It's not true. I haven't met with Deco or anyone from Barcelona."
When asked about the possibility of a transfer involving his client and the Catalan giants, Hidalgo emphasized that any interested club should contact Atletico Madrid's board, given Alvarez's current contract commitment. This stance suggests that Alvarez has no intention of leaving his current club anytime soon.
However, it appears that other clubs in Europe are taking notice of Alvarez's impressive form. English transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey reported that both Arsenal and Chelsea have held talks with intermediaries regarding a potential move for the 25-year-old striker. With his experience playing in the Premier League at Manchester City, Alvarez could easily adapt to life in London.
One major hurdle stands in the way of FC Barcelona landing Alvarez: the hefty price tag. Sources estimate a reported transfer fee of $176-235 million (€150-200 million) for the player, who has a contract until 2030 and is currently earning a weekly wage of $282,000 (€240,000). Only Premier League outfits or clubs like PSG can afford such wages.
Alvarez's idol, Lionel Messi, has long been an inspiration to the Argentine striker. However, emulating his former idol won't be easy, given the significant financial gap between Alvarez's current club, Atletico Madrid, and FC Barcelona. If he truly wants to join the Catalans, Alvarez might have to force his way out of Atleti, a move that would likely be unpopular among fans who witnessed a similar situation in 2019 with Antoine Griezmann's departure.
Reports surrounding FC Barcelona's interest in highly-touted striker Julian Alvarez have been largely unsubstantiated, but his agent has finally addressed the rumors. In comments to Eremnews, Fernando Hidalgo, Alvarez's representative, dismissed claims that he met with Barcelona's sporting director Deco or president Joan Laporta, stating "It's not true. I haven't met with Deco or anyone from Barcelona."
When asked about the possibility of a transfer involving his client and the Catalan giants, Hidalgo emphasized that any interested club should contact Atletico Madrid's board, given Alvarez's current contract commitment. This stance suggests that Alvarez has no intention of leaving his current club anytime soon.
However, it appears that other clubs in Europe are taking notice of Alvarez's impressive form. English transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey reported that both Arsenal and Chelsea have held talks with intermediaries regarding a potential move for the 25-year-old striker. With his experience playing in the Premier League at Manchester City, Alvarez could easily adapt to life in London.
One major hurdle stands in the way of FC Barcelona landing Alvarez: the hefty price tag. Sources estimate a reported transfer fee of $176-235 million (€150-200 million) for the player, who has a contract until 2030 and is currently earning a weekly wage of $282,000 (€240,000). Only Premier League outfits or clubs like PSG can afford such wages.
Alvarez's idol, Lionel Messi, has long been an inspiration to the Argentine striker. However, emulating his former idol won't be easy, given the significant financial gap between Alvarez's current club, Atletico Madrid, and FC Barcelona. If he truly wants to join the Catalans, Alvarez might have to force his way out of Atleti, a move that would likely be unpopular among fans who witnessed a similar situation in 2019 with Antoine Griezmann's departure.