Julian Alvarez to Barcelona: Excitement growing over transfer rumours

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 27 Feb 2023 14:07 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester City and Argentina star Julian Alvarez has been heavily linked with a shock transfer to Barcelona just one year after leaving River Plate to join Pep Guardiola's side.

Barcelona purchased Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich last summer, but let Memphis Depay depart in January, with the Dutchman joining Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid on a permanent deal.

As a result, the Blaugrana are searching for a new striker and they have landed on Alvarez, according to TyC Sports.

READ: Erling Haaland close to new £20m-per-year deal

The report details that Barcelona don't have the finances to sign Alvarez permanently, but would like to agree a loan deal with Man City this summer.

The 23-year-old was pursued by Barcelona before he left River Plate and Xavi is prepared to go back in for the young forward in an attempt to bolster his forward line.

READ: 'New Pep' or overrated? Why Xavi is at risk at Barcelona

Alvarez at Man City

Alvarez, 23, joined Man City in January 2022 before immediately being sent back to River Plate on loan for the rest of the season.

However, before he was able to integrate with his new team-mates in England, Man City purchased Erling Haaland, arguably the best striker in world football.

As a result, Alvarez has been limited to just six Premier League starts, with Haaland the preferred option through the middle. In fact, Alvarez has only started two games without the Norwegian in the team, with Guardiola dropping the 2022 World Cup winner into a deeper role in possession to fit the pair into the same starting XI.

Despite his limited game time, Alvarez has still netted 10 goals in 30 games in all competitions this season. That works out at 145 minutes per goal. He has also assisted a further two strikes.

Alvarez was expected to become a more utilised player following his performances at the Qatar World Cup, but he's been unable to displace Haaland in Guardiola's favoured team.

As a result, his representatives have reportedly begun looking at different options for his future. Alvarez's contract at Man City isn't set to expire until 2027, meaning it may be difficult for him to force a permanent exit this summer.