Barcelona’s ‘wink’ towards Atletico Madrid forward amid strong transfer interest | OneFootball

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have traded several players over the years, but some of the biggest names to have switched loyalties between the two clubs are forwards.

Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann are two names that come to mind in the same category in recent years.

Now, the Catalans have taken an interest in Los Rojiblancos’ striker Julian Alvarez and see him as a potential long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, whose future at the club remains uncertain.

Given his age and expiring contract, there is a good chance the Polish striker leaves next summer, and Alvarez is one of Barcelona’s top options alongside Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane.

A subtle hint

Barcelona recently took on Atletico Madrid in La Liga and won by a 3-1 margin at the Spotify Camp Nou, and Alvarez was among the starters for Los Rojiblancos on the night.

After the game, Barcelona’s official social media posted a picture of Lamine Yamal with Alvarez in a still from the game with the title ‘Stars under the spotlight’, and the photo has generated significant discussion on social media.

While it is clear what Barcelona imply by Yamal’s inclusion in the photo, the decision to use a still with Alvarez particularly has fans speculating whether it is a ‘wink’ in the Argentine star’s direction, hinting towards a potential summer transfer.

After all, their interest in the World Cup winner is well documented at this point, and there is absolutely no scenario in which Alvarez himself does not know of Barcelona’s attention on him.

While Barcelona are indeed just one of the several parties scouting the Argentine international, they will not have it easy to sign him. After all, Atletico Madrid signed the player for €95 million just over a year ago and have no desire to sell him at the moment.