Julián Álvarez is one of the most prominent names in the current season of the Spanish League. The Argentine forward, at Atlético de Madrid, has scored more than 20 goals this season, leaving an indelible mark.
His ability to adapt to Cholo Simeone's style and his impact on the field have made him indispensable for the team. His performance has been praised by coaches and fans, putting his name on the radar of Europe's most important clubs.
The connection with Barça
What few know is that FC Barcelona was close to signing Álvarez in the past. On several occasions, videos and posts have leaked on social media where the player himself declared himself a fan of the Catalan club. The Argentine forward was considered a great talent in his native Argentina then, but his name was not among the most well-known in Europe.
Barça, looking for reinforcements, included him on their list of potential signings, but at the last minute decided to opt for Ferran Torres. A decision that, over time, has caused many doubts and questions within the club.
Laporta's wrong decision
The stance of the Barça board has been under scrutiny in recent months, especially that of its president, Joan Laporta. According to some sources close to the club, the president admitted his mistake in not making the necessary effort to sign Álvarez.
Laporta acknowledged that the decision to choose Torres, who hasn't had the same impact as Álvarez this season, was wrong. Álvarez has established himself as a star, while Ferran has been inconsistent, making Barça's decision more questionable.
Álvarez's future and Barça
Now, Julián Álvarez's future seems to be far from Barcelona. With his name linked to several bigger clubs in Europe, including Atlético de Madrid, it will be difficult for Barça to sign him.
Despite Laporta's regret, the current market is saturated with teams willing to make very attractive offers for the player. For Barça, the task of signing Álvarez at this moment seems almost impossible, as the Argentine forward's market value has skyrocketed after his impressive season.
Barcelona will have to decide whether to try to sign Álvarez in the future or bet on other players. This failed signing will remain a reminder of what could have been.