Barcelona target Julian Alvarez receives advice from Atletico Madrid great: ‘There might be projects with more money…’ | OneFootball

Barcelona’s admiration for Julian Alvarez is no secret, with the club identifying him as the long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

The Pole has been Barca’s No. 9 for the past four seasons but decided to leave upon the expiry of his contract. The club now need a new striker to lead the line into the next era.

Alvarez has emerged as Barcelona’s dream attacking target. His combination of pressing, movement, finishing and tactical intelligence makes him one of the most natural fits for Hansi Flick’s football.

Now, as quoted by AS, former Atletico Madrid great Radamel Falcao has claimed that he believes Atletico are the best possible place for Alvarez at this stage of his career.

Falcao said, “I don’t know what Atletico Madrid has, but when you arrive, the people are so passionate and so affectionate with the player when they see that you give everything, that they end up making you fall in love.”

Falcao urges Alvarez to stay

Falcao has shared his advice to Julian Alvarez. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

The Colombian, who became one of Europe’s most feared strikers during his own spell at Atletico, was even more direct when discussing Alvarez.

He said, “The Atletico fans ended up making me fall in love and I really believe Julian has no better place than this.

“There might be other projects with more money. However, the passion and affection that the Atletico fans give you is incredible. And besides, it’s in a great city like Madrid.”

That is a strong message from a player who is well respected at the Metropolitano, having scored 70 goals in 91 games for the club.

Barcelona dream remains complicated

Falcao’s comments could be seen as an attempt to sway Alvarez, but even as things stand, Barca face a huge financial challenge in trying to get this deal over the line.

Alvarez is Barcelona’s dream target. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Atletico would be extremely reluctant to lose a player of his quality, especially to another La Liga giant.

If Barcelona ever decide to move seriously, they would need the player’s full conviction, a realistic price and space in the squad.

Alvarez remains an ideal profile on paper. He is intense without the ball, intelligent between the lines and capable of playing as a striker or alongside another forward.

However, so far, Atletico have turned a deaf ear to whatever bids have been submitted for Alvarez, both from Barca and Real Madrid.

Falcao wants Alvarez to stay at Atletico, and this transfer could ultimately hinge on the player himself. If his desire is to wear the Blaugrana, there is a chance that this transfer will eventually happen this summer.