Manchester City are one of the biggest clubs in the world and, as such, are able to sign some of the best players in the world.
Over the years, the likes of Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, Kevin De Bruyne and many others have starred for Manchester City.
However, the Citizens have also lost numerous players who have since gone on to the highest levels of the game.
For instance, the likes of Brahim Diaz, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Liam Delap and Pedro Porro were all on City’s books at some point.
Now, Barcelona are said to be eager to sign an “extraordinary” player who City sold after just two seasons.
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
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Former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez tipped for Barcelona move
The player in question is Julian Alvarez, who City signed in 2022 from River Plate for a fee in the region of £14million.
However, City sold Alvarez just two years later, with Atletico Madrid signing him for a fee of around £81million.
Now, Barcelona have their eye on Alvarez, with The Sun reporting that they will move for him next year when Robert Lewandowski’s contract expires.
Barca’s interest in Alvarez has reportedly seen them opt out of joining the race for Viktor Gyokeres, with Arsenal apparently leading the race for the Sporting CP star.
Meanwhile, beIN Sports recently reported that Barca see Alvarez as the perfect fit to lead their attack in the coming years.
‘His youth, goal-scoring instinct, and ability to link up play make him an ideal match for Barca’s style,’ added the report.
Alvarez is said to have a €150million (£126million) release clause.
Why did Manchester City sell Julian Alvarez?
Alvarez was a hit at City, making 103 appearances and registering 36 goals and 19 assists, which helped the club win a number of trophies including the Treble in 2023.
However, Alvarez often found himself in a supporting role for City, stepping in as a substitute for Erling Haaland or covering for Kevin De Bruyne.
In the end, the “extraordinary” forward wanted a more prominent role, and so he opted to make a move.
“I felt that I needed a change in my career,” Alvarez said during his official unveiling at Atletico Madrid.
“I needed to look for a new challenge, and I believe that this club gives me the tools to give my best.
“I learned a lot there [at City] and I’m grateful for the two years I’ve been there.”
Alvarez has hit the ground running at Atletico, registering 27 goals and five assists from 52 outings so far this season.