Barcelona consider €80m Sporting star as Julian Alvarez alternative | OneFootball

Barcelona are considering a move for Sporting CP striker Luis Suarez as an alternative to Julian Alvarez, according to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano.

Alvarez is Barcelona’s priority for the striker position following Robert Lewandowski’s departure and the imminent exit of Ferran Torres, who is close to joining Paris Saint-Germain.

Atletico Madrid are unwilling to listen to offers for Alvarez. Barcelona could consider a move for Suarez if Atletico do not change their stance.

The Colombia international joined Sporting from Almeria last summer and enjoyed an excellent debut campaign.

Suarez bagged 38 goals and nine assists in 54 games across all competitions. He won the Primeira Liga Golden Boot and was named in the Team of the Season.

The 28-year-old’s statistics compare favourably to other strikers in Europe’s top seven leagues.

He ranked higher than the 97th percentile for both non-penalty goals and non-penalty expected goals, while ranking in the 78th percentile for conversion rate.

Suarez also ranked in the 98th percentile for expected assists, highlighting his ability to influence games without scoring.

The Sporting striker has La Liga experience, although his record in the competition was underwhelming, with 23 goals and 10 assists in 100 appearances.

Suarez has an €80 million release clause, a fair price for a prolific striker who has four years remaining on his contract.

Barcelona could step up their interest late in the transfer window if they fail to sign Alvarez.

Stats from datamb.Football & Transfermarkt.