Maxi Lopez feels Julián Alvarez should have made the move to Barcelona last summer. The former Argentine forward believes the Catalan side's style would have suited the 26-year-old striker better, allowing him to fulfil his potential.
Alvarez found himself at the heart of one of the summer's major transfer sagas.
During the 2026 World Cup, the forward hinted at his desire to leave Atletico, with Barcelona emerging as his top choice.
Indeed, the Catalan club attempted to facilitate the transfer, but Atletico were unwilling to let one of their key players join a direct La Liga rival.
Arsenal also showed an interest in Alvarez as they looked to bolster their attack following a title-winning season.
However, Lopez insists that Barcelona would have been the ideal destination for Alvarez.
He stated:
I would have liked to see him at Barcelona because he is the number nine for Argentina.
There, he would be on another level.
Lopez acknowledged his familiarity with Diego Simeone's approach, commending his work at Atletico.
I've trained under Cholo myself.
What he has done with Atletico is truly impressive.
When I first came to Spain, the club was hardly competing for anything. He has completely transformed it.
Yet, Lopez's preference clearly leans towards the Catalans.
If it were up to me, I would have chosen Barcelona.
That's just my opinion and my understanding of Julián's potential.
Considering his style, I would choose a team that plays a football suited to him.
In my view, Barcelona play better.
Last season, Alvarez netted eight goals in La Liga.
After his unsuccessful summer move, the forward returned to Atletico's ranks and made an impact, scoring twice in the last two matches.
Alvarez has since admitted he misjudged both the timing and phrasing of his public comments regarding his desire to leave.
After a win against Deportivo, he said:
I would like to apologise to our fans for what I said during the World Cup.
The mistake lay in how I said it and when I said it.
The forward also acknowledged the fans' reactions.
I understand why the supporters are upset.
If I were a fan, I would be angry too.
Especially given how they've supported me since I arrived.
Currently, Alvarez is fully committed to Atletico again, yet the summer transfer saga with Barcelona continues to be a talking point. Moreover, Arsenal could still revisit their interest in the Argentine.
