Sergio Agüero knows a thing or two about playing for Argentina, Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. Now he has given his verdict on Julian Alvarez’s proposed move to the Catalan giants.
The Argentine forward made his preference clear while playing at the World Cup, though Atletico seem uninterested in bargaining, pointing to his €500m release clause.
‘He’d fit in spectacularly’
Kun was ready to give his take on the proposed transfer on the streaming show Jijantes.
“Julian would fit in at many clubs, but he would fit in spectacularly at Barça given his style of play. He is a top class player, someone who can play anywhere and is an all around attacking threat,” Agüero said.
“It’s great to have players like that. He’s an attacking player winger, forward, attacking midfielder… He’s a versatile asset; you can use him when others get injured.”
Backing Alvarez’s honesty
Agüero also backed Alvarez’s decision to go public with his desire to leave.
“The player has no other choice but to be sincere, to be honest. He says he met with the club and they agreed that a transfer is the best course of action,” noted Agüero.
Atletico were quick to declare that they would not accept negotiations, instead pointing to his €500m release clause, which would be virtually impossible to meet.
“With that release clause, the decision rests with the club. The club will decide whether or not to sell you and, being honest, he ended up telling the club the truth and that is the best approach,” the former player said.
‘If he isn’t comfortable, sell him’
Agüero stated that no club wants to admit they are willing to let a player go, and that it could simply be posturing. He also gave his personal opinion of what to do when a star player wants out.
“If I were the club and a player wasn’t happy, whether because of the city or for any other reason, or felt bad about his teammates, the coach, or an executive… if he wasn’t comfortable, the best thing to do would be to find a solution and sell him.
“You can’t have a player around all year looking miserable and bringing bad vibes. If he isn’t comfortable, the club needs to help him; that’s how it works, as far as I’m concerned,” he said.
The bottom line
Agüero knows the club. Agüero knows the player. Agüero knows the situation.
Alvarez would fit in spectacularly at Barcelona. Atletico are standing firm with a €500m release clause. The player wants out.
The club will decide. But as Agüero says, if he isn’t comfortable, find a solution and sell him.
Barcelona are watching. Alvarez is waiting. Atletico are playing hardball.
Something has to give.
