In a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona’s rising star Pau Cubarsi didn’t hesitate when asked who he’d bring to the club if he could sign just one player. “Julián Álvarez,” the 18-year-old center-back declared, pinpointing the Atlético Madrid forward as his top choice. It’s a bold call from the young Spaniard, and one that’s got fans buzzing about what the Argentine striker could bring to the Blaugrana.
Cubarsi, who’s quickly establishing himself as a cornerstone of Barcelona’s defense under Hansi Flick, isn’t just throwing out a random name. Álvarez, at 25, is in the prime of his career and has already built a resume that would make any club salivate. Currently lighting up La Liga with Atlético Madrid, the former Manchester City man has a knack for scoring, creating, and thriving under pressure—qualities Barcelona could desperately use as they look to bolster their attack.
Álvarez’s Stellar Stats: A Closer Look
Let’s break it down with some numbers. As of March 15, 2025, Álvarez has been a standout for Atlético this season. In 43 appearances across all competitions, he’s notched 22 goals and chipped in 5 assists. That’s a goal every 130 minutes—a rate that puts him among the league’s elite. Compare that to Barcelona’s current leading scorer, Robert Lewandowski, who’s bagged 34 goals in 39 games which is very okay but he his inconsistency is alarming, and you see why Cubarsi might be dreaming of a younger, dynamic option.
Álvarez’s versatility is another feather in his cap. At Manchester City, where he won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in 2022-23, he scored 36 goals and added 17 assists in 103 games, often playing second fiddle to Erling Haaland. His ability to operate as a center-forward, second striker, or even drift wide makes him a tactical Swiss Army knife—perfect for Flick’s fluid system. This season at Atlético, he’s leading their scoring charts, outpacing Antoine Griezmann (15 goals) and Alexander Sørloth (13), and ranks third in minutes played (2,472), trailing only Jan Oblak and Griezmann.
rewind to his River Plate days, and you’ll find the roots of his brilliance. In 2021, he fired 54 goals and 31 assists for the Argentina club, earning South American Footballer of the Year honors at just 21. Add in his international exploits—11 goals in 42 caps for Argentina, including a starring role in their 2022 World Cup triumph—and it’s clear Álvarez isn’t just a flash in the pan.
Why Barcelona? Cubarsi’s Vision
So why does Cubarsi, a defender with a front-row seat to Barcelona’s needs, zero in on Álvarez? For one, the kid knows goals win games. Barcelona’s attack has leaned heavily on Lewandowski, who turns 37 in August, and while the Pole remains lethal, the clock’s ticking. Raphinha (27 goals) and Lamine Yamal (12 goals) have chipped in, but the squad lacks a consistent secondary scoring threat. Álvarez could be that guy—a player who combines Lewandowski’s finishing with the energy and creativity of a younger star.
Cubarsi’s pick also hints at a deeper fit. Álvarez’s work rate off the ball is relentless, a trait that meshes with Flick’s high-pressing philosophy. At Atlético, he’s averaged 1.8 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, per FBref, showing he’s not just a poacher. Picture him linking up with Pedri and Gavi in midfield, or feeding off Yamal’s darting runs—suddenly, Barcelona’s attack looks a lot scarier.
Álvarez could’ve been a Barcelona player years ago. Back in 2021-22, when he was tearing it up at River Plate, the club had him on their radar. Reports from Mundo Deportivo at the time pegged his release clause at €20 million—a steal. Josep Maria Minguella, a former agent with ties to the club, even pitched him to then-sporting director Mateu Alemany, offering a payment plan over five years. But Barcelona, strapped for cash and desperate for instant impact, opted for Ferran Torres instead, splashing €55 million on the ex-City winger.
Torres has since found his groove (11 goals this season), but Álvarez went to Manchester City for €18.5 million plus variables, then moved to Atlético in 2024 for a hefty €75 million base fee (potentially rising to €95 million). Hindsight’s a brutal teacher—Barcelona missed a chance to snag a future star at a bargain.
Could It Happen Now?
Dreaming of Álvarez in a Barcelona kit isn’t pure fantasy. His contract with Atlético runs until 2030, but transfer rumors swirl every window, and Barcelona’s pull is undeniable. Álvarez has even admitted to being a lifelong Barça fan—videos from his childhood show him picking them over Real Madrid. At 11, he was already dreaming of playing alongside Lionel Messi, a wish he partly fulfilled with Argentina.
The hurdle? Money. Atlético wouldn’t let their prized asset go cheap, and Barcelona’s finances remain a tightrope act. A transfer fee north of €80 million seems likely, and that’s before wages. Still, if Cubarsi’s wish reflects a broader sentiment in the dressing room, the club might just find a way to make it happen—whether through sales, loans, or some creative accounting.
The Verdict
Pau Cubarsi’s nod to Julián Álvarez isn’t just a teenager’s wishlist—it’s a savvy pick backed by the Argentine’s track record. With 112 career club goals by age 25, a World Cup medal, and a knack for shining on the big stage (remember his screamer against Real Madrid in the Champions League this month?), Álvarez has the goods. For Barcelona, he’d be a statement signing—a bridge from Lewandowski’s era to a new generation of dominance.
Cubarsi’s got an eye for talent. Whether the board listens? That’s the million-dollar question—or, more accurately, the €80 million one.
