Rodri Wants Julian Alvarez at Barcelona
Rodri has barely unpacked his bags in Barcelona, but he already knows exactly who he wants alongside him at Camp Nou: Julian Alvarez.
The Spain international, fresh from his move from Manchester to Catalonia, has been open about his admiration for his former team-mate. He sees Alvarez not just as a luxury signing, but as the kind of forward who could instantly elevate Barcelona’s attack.
Alvarez’s name has been circulating all summer. Barcelona wanted him. Real Madrid liked him. The problem? Atletico Madrid had no interest in strengthening a direct rival. Los Rojiblancos held firm, refusing to let one of their key men cross the divide to either of Spain’s giants.
Arsenal also hovered in the background, exploring the possibility of bringing the Argentina international back to the Premier League. That door never really opened. Alvarez, by all accounts, had no appetite for a return to England.
Rodri, though, has seen enough up close to keep dreaming. Two seasons together in the Premier League gave him a clear view of Alvarez’s level, and when asked by Mundo Deportivo whether he would sign the forward for Barcelona, he didn’t bother to disguise his enthusiasm.
“Would I sign him here? Of course,” Rodri said. “I think he is a sensational player. I would take him here without hesitation. I had the chance to play with him for two years, and I think he is an incredible player, truly incredible.”
The praise did not stop at goals and finishes. Rodri made a point of underlining Alvarez’s tactical brain and versatility, qualities that would appeal to any top coach, especially at a club that demands fluid, intelligent movement in attack.
Alvarez built his reputation as a classic number 9, a penalty-box predator. That label no longer tells the full story. He has drifted deeper, wider, and into pockets of space that blur the lines between forward and midfielder.
“He has almost played more often as a number 10 than as a number 9, even though he initially came from a number 9 position,” Rodri explained. “But he has also adapted to a role where he can play as an attacking midfielder, a playmaker, and he has even played matches as a central midfielder. He is truly a spectacular player.”
For now, the speculation stops at the dressing-room door. Alvarez remains locked in on Atletico’s season. At 26, he has already featured twice in La Liga this campaign, and Diego Simeone will lean heavily on his goals and work rate as Atletico try to launch a serious assault on the title.
Yet Rodri’s words will not go unnoticed. His public endorsement adds another layer to the ongoing noise around Alvarez’s long-term future. Barcelona continue to scan the market for elite attacking options, waiting for the right moment and the right profile.
If Atletico ever loosen their grip, and if Barcelona decide to move decisively, the forward Rodri is so eager to reunite with could one day walk out at Camp Nou in Blaugrana colours.
