Premier League-linked Julian Alvarez has a decision to make ahead of the January transfer window as the Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur target fires River Plate to glory, as reported to UOL.
With just one year left on his contract and a whole host of Europe-based clubs making their interest known, you’d be forgiven for assuming Alvarez was packing his bags and booking his flight with the winter window a fortnight away.
New year, new club.
As far as Alvarez is concerned, however, things are not quite so simple.
The Qatar World Cup will be well underway this time next year.
And after forcing his way into the Argentina squad ahead of last summer’s Copa America win, the 21-year-old must weigh up the pros and cons of a big-money move to the Premier League, Serie A or La Liga at such a crucial juncture of his young career.
Is Julian Alvarez heading to England?
Imagine, for example, that he joins Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur and then struggles to adapt to life in England. A year on the sidelines could be fatal for his World Cup hopes.
“I don’t know what will happen,” Alvarez says. “In January, we will see if I start the preseason (with River Plate) or if something else happens.
“When making the decision, I will choose the best thing for me.”
Alvarez, who’s been scouted by Aston Villa for the last 11 months, has a £17 million release clause in his contract.
Spurs and West Ham United are also interested, too, in a striker who’s ability to find the net from any angle and with almost any body-part have encouraged comparisons with a young Cristiano Ronaldo.
“We all know how much the World Cup means for any player,” Alvarez adds. “When I make my decision, I’ll choose what’s best for me.”
Which club with Julian Alvarez join?
The sweet smell of champagne filled the Buenos Aires sky on Sunday night. Alvarez scored twice in a 4-0 thrashing of Colon, firing River Plate to Trofeo de Campeonos glory.
Alvarez must now find space on his already-packed mantelpiece, next to his Golden Boot award and league winner’s medal, for another piece of silverware.
In all competitions, the fresh-faced striker scored 18 goals in 17 league starts. Ronaldo himself would be proud of that record.
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