Barcelona is pursuing Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid as their top attacking target amid uncertainty over Robert Lewandowski's future. The club's success in signing Alvarez may hinge on the influence of a key business agent.
Mentioned in this story
The business agent who could play a key role in Barcelonaâs bid to sign Atletico Madrid sensation
It is no secret that Barcelona are currently hard at work trying to get their hands on Julian Alvarez this summer, with the Argentine emerging as the clubâs top attacking target.
With Robert Lewandowski likely leaving the club in the summer and uncertainty looming over Marcus Rashfordâs continued stay at Camp Nou, signing a top striker like Alvarez has become the need of the hour.
Barcelona, though, are yet to make a breakthrough as Atletico Madrid have appeared adamant about keeping hold of their star player. That is where personal connections often become a key factor.
According to Diario SPORT, agency Niagara Sports, which is led by Andy Bara and Juanma Lopez, is growing in influence at Barcelona and could prove pivotal in any potential move for Alvarez.
The agency already has a strong track record with the Catalan club, having been involved in the arrivals of Dani Olmo and Joan Garcia in recent years.
Julian Alvarez is a talented striker from Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona sees him as a crucial addition to their squad, especially with Lewandowski's potential departure.
Barcelona faces challenges as Atletico Madrid is determined to retain Alvarez, making negotiations difficult.
A business agent could leverage personal connections to facilitate negotiations and help Barcelona secure a deal for Alvarez.
Chelsea secured their Women's Champions League spot for next season with a 3-1 victory over Leicester, highlighted by Sam Kerr's record-setting goal. Kerr became Chelsea's all-time WSL top goalscorer with her 64th goal.
Celtic's Daizen Maeda limps off after scoring, raising fitness concerns before Old Firm match.
Mitch Evans se impone en BerlĂn y amenaza a Porsche en la FĂłrmula E
FermĂn LĂłpez se acerca a Lamine como el mejor aliado del vestuario del Barça.
Mike Felger advises Dianna Russini to embrace her notoriety for a career comeback.
After defeating the Celtics, the Sixers gear up for a tough Round 2 against the Knicks.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
Barcelona are keen on signing Alvarez. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
They also represent Victor Munoz, the Osasuna winger who has emerged as one of the most exciting young players in Spanish football this season.
Crucially, Juanma Lopez maintains an excellent personal relationship with the leadership at Atletico Madrid â a connection built during his own playing days at the club.
It is this direct line to the red-and-white hierarchy that could prove decisive in any negotiations over Alvarez.
Niagara also maintains links with the entourage of Alvarez himself, meaning the agency has potential access to both clubs and the playerâs camp simultaneously.
For Barcelona, who have so far been unable to find a way past Atleticoâs resistance, having a trusted intermediary with influence on both sides of the negotiating table could be the breakthrough they have been waiting for.