Luis Suarez explains why Julian Alvarez would be a perfect signing for Barcelona: ‘He would know how to fulfil his role’ | OneFootball

Barcelona’s search for a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski continues to dominate the summer transfer window, and Julian  Alvarez remains at the top of the club’s wishlist.

The Atletico Madrid forward has been heavily linked with a move to the Catalan giants in recent weeks, although completing such a transfer is expected to be far from straightforward. 

Now, Barcelona legend Luis Suarez has shared his thoughts on the situation, backing Alvarez as an ideal fit while admitting convincing Atletico to part with one of their biggest stars will be a major challenge.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the former Barcelona striker also gave his assessment of the type of centre-forward the Blaugrana should be targeting as they plan for the future.

Suarez outlines the profile Barcelona need

Asked about Barcelona’s search for a new number nine, Suarez stressed that the right profile depends on how the coaching staff want the team to play.

“It depends on the qualities the club is looking for.

“There’s the number nine who plays alongside another striker and moves all over the pitch, and there’s the more static number nine, the one who acts as a target for the centre-backs and allows the team to play with two wingers.”

Suarez has backed Alvarez for Liverpool move. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Suarez believes Barcelona’s tactical setup under Hansi Flick still suits a traditional striker who can occupy defenders while allowing the wide players to attack dangerous spaces.

“Given the way Barça play today, I think they need more of a static number nine, like Lewandowski was, complemented by the work Ferran does.

“But it’s not easy to arrive at Barcelona and perform from day one. If you arrive and score four or five goals in your first few matches, you immediately set the bar high.”

Alvarez receives Suarez’s backing

The conversation naturally turned towards Julian Alvarez, who remains Barcelona’s priority target to strengthen the attack.

Suarez had no doubts that the Argentine possesses the quality and intelligence needed to succeed at Camp Nou.

“A player as intelligent as Julian, with the career he’s had since leaving River – having played for City, Atletico and also for the national team – would come in and adapt because he’d know how to fulfil his role.

“At Barcelona, he’ll have wingers who’ll create plenty of chances for him. He’s good at playing the ball out wide and has good movement. He’ll slot straight into the Barcelona side.”

Alvarez wants to join Barcelona. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

While Suarez is convinced Alvarez would thrive in Barcelona’s attacking system, he acknowledged that Atletico Madrid are unlikely to let their star forward leave without a fight.

“But there’s the other side to it. He’s at a big club like Atlético. It’s going to be difficult for him to leave. The coming weeks are going to be quite a story.”

Suarez’s own Liverpool story

Drawing on his own career, Suarez explained why transfers involving top clubs often depend as much on timing as they do on money.

“These are situations you force at a certain point. I experienced it myself at Liverpool. In 2013, I forced my way out because I wanted to join Arsenal.

“I remember the captain, Gerrard, taking me aside and saying: ‘Stay. Next year you’ll go wherever you want: to Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern.’ 

“‘But this year, please, stay. You can’t go to Arsenal.’ And he convinced me. And in this case, the same thing could happen with Julian: that Cholo takes him aside and says, ‘This year I want you to stay with us,’” he concluded.