Varun Pai
Transfer News: Manchester United amongst several clubs eyeing a deal for River Plate ace Julian Alvarez
According to transfer news from South American journalist Roberto Rojas (h/t The Express), Manchester United are amongst several clubs keen on signing River Plate star Julian Alvarez.
The soon-to-be 22-year-old performed well for the Argentinian club last season, scoring 18 goals in 21 games. He also received a senior call-up from the national team in 2021 and has been capped five times since then. He has now caught the attention of a host of European clubs.
Man United and Bayern Munich were claimed to be the frontrunners to sign the South American talent. But it has been recently suggested that it is an open race, and there are several clubs keen on signing the young striker.
In fact, the player’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, is travelling to Europe to hold meetings in Manchester, London, Madrid, and Milan. This is also a subtle indication that the Red Devils may not be the only English club eager on landing the player’s services, who is thought to have a release clause worth £17million.
A race we need to win
Ralf Rangnick may have confirmed that Edinson Cavani will not leave Old Trafford in January, but Anthony Martial could still be on his way out. Additionally, Cavani too shall be out of contract in the summer. The same also applies to Jesse Lingard.
Sources in Argentina tell me that Julian Alvarez’s agent Fernando Hidalgo is traveling to Europe today to meet with numerous clubs to hopefully reach a deal for the services of the River Plate striker.
— Roberto Rojas (@RobertoRojas97) January 2, 2022
Meetings will take place in London, Manchester, Madrid and Milan. #transfers pic.twitter.com/kyAsHvBH59
Thus, if all three players do depart by the end of the season, reinforcements may be due. While we would still possess Mason Greenwood, Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Anthony Elanga, the absence of another out-and-out striker could hurt our potential title ambitions.
Alvarez can play through the centre and on the left, a quality that might catch the eye of prospective suitors. His age could also be a crucial factor as he will only be 22 this month, nearly15 years younger than Ronaldo. The Argentinian international could become the understudy to the Portuguese international before leading the line by himself someday.
However, with several other clubs keen on signing him, it remains to be seen where his preferred destination lies. We have the prestige and the trophy cabinet to attract the best stars, but only time will tell whether that is enough to land the up-and-coming striker.
More Manchester United News
- Ralf Rangnick: Manchester United will not sell Edinson Cavani in January
- Ralf Rangnick reveals what Donny van de Beek needs to do to receive Manchester United opportunities
- Noel Whelan backs Ralf Rangnick to toughen up Manchester United stars
Rangnick has shown his willingness to play two strikers up front during his time in Manchester. Cavani and Ronaldo, both well into their 30s, have been played in that position time and again. If the trend continues and the veteran duo are no longer donning our colours, then Alvarez could well be the man to slot in up front.
