For many of you, today will be the first time you’ve heard of Julian Alvarez.
We picked up on the reports earlier today that the forward is being watched closely by Manchester United, and another handful of top European Cup clubs on top of that.
Alvarez has scored 36 goals and assisted a further 25 in 96 appearances for River Plate and he is now being tipped to join a number of the world’s biggest clubs.
This season he recorded 18 goals and seven assists in the Argentine top-flight, which makes him destined for a big move to Europe.
The Argentina international has recently been quizzed about his links away from River Plate. However, Alvarez kept his cards close to his chest.
“Frankly, I don’t know what will happen, now I’m only thinking about celebrating,” the player said, as quoted by the Mirror.
“In January we will see.”
Alvarez will be aiming to make Scaloni’s Argentina squad for Qatar 2022 next winter, so he will need to keep that in mind before deciding on next club should he leave River Plate.
He added: “We all know how much the World Cup means for a player. When I make my decision I’ll choose what’s best for me.”
SN’s verdict
I think Manchester United will be in the market for an attacker in the summer — whether it’s Erling Haaland or the next best thing.
Anthony Martial looks set to leave the club in January and Edinson Cavani’s contract expires in the summer.
We also need Marcus Rashford to step up his game and for Jadon Sancho to impose himself on the team, while Cristiano Ronaldo gives us his final years at the very top.
